Reds midfielder Rob Wilson is desperate to avoid a second play-off final heartache in six years on Saturday.

The former Kendal Town star was part of the Lancaster City team that were beaten 1-0 by Colwyn Bay in the 2010 Northern Premier League Division One play-off final.

Wilson moved to Reds from Kendal during the winter and had he stayed with The Mintcakes he would have been facing yet another season in the eighth tier.

But his goal on Tuesday night sealed a play-off final berth for Reds on a crazy night which saw them overcome Blyth 4-3 in a thriller.

Wilson also scored in last Saturday's 5-0 victory of Buxton which saw them dramatically snatch a top-five spot and is thrilled to have hit a purple patch at a crucial time.

He said: "I'm happy to score. I hadn't scored since I was at Kendal and it was a big relief.

"The lads were going to make me pay £20 into the kitty if I didn't score this season.

"On Tuesday night it was good to score the winner. Any goal is good, but it's great to score at this crucial stage.

"On Tuesday it was the Scott Allison show. I just put the icing on the cake, but I'm happy.

"If I score on Saturday I will be over the moon and hopefully I can score again, but anything could happen."

Wilson has found himself in and out of the team this season after being riddled by persistent injuries.

He missed the whole of March and has experienced problems with his ankle and his groin.

But he made his comeback on Saturday, April 2 against Matlock and has been ever-present since.

Wilson added: "After the Nantwich game some of us felt it was over, but we won against Ashton and got some momentum.

"Then we beat Buxton where we were 4-0 up after 20 minutes and went on to win 5-0. 

"We were all happy when he heard we'd made the play-offs. We waited on the pitch and we were buzzing."

Tomorrow Reds are hoping to defeat a Salford side who have beaten them twice in the league this season already.

The club partly-owned by five Manchester United legends saw off Reds 4-1 at Borough Park before winning 5-3 at Moss Lane.

Wilson said: "It would be brilliant if we could get promoted. I've had a stop-start season and this is my first full season back without a pre-season.

"To end it on a high it would be brilliant. Having been at Kendal and now seeing where Kendal are now I'm glad I've made the move.

"Salford get a lot of publicity with their owners' backing, the players they have and everyone knows what a big budget they have.

"Hopefully it will be third time lucky."