STUNNED Workington Reds boss Dave Hewson hailed his players after a superb 4-1 victory over Mickleover Sports on Saturday.

Four goals in an electrifying eight minute spell sealed the win and pushed Reds up to sixth, one place off the Evo Stik Northern Premier play-off berths.

A delighted Hewson admitted it had been a whirlwind start to the second half but he praised his side for taking advantage of their opportunities to score.

Reds had been 1-0 down at the break but within eight minutes they had been handed three penalties, scoring two, and scored from two superb volleys.

"I'd never seen that before and if I have I'm sure it was against us!" said Hewson.

"But you've got to take advantage when things go your way and a couple of the decisions might have been a bit contentious but we took full advantage.

"They started to lose a bit of discipline, we took advantage and managed to score more goals.

"We won the game comfortably in the end, which many folk would have said was unlikely to happen at the end of the first half."

Dave Symington put away the first penalty and then thumped home a brilliant volley, leaving the visiting keeper no chance.

He then stepped up for a second penalty attempt, going for his hat-trick but it was saved.

Rob Wilson provided the Reds crowd with another scorching volley that pierced the top corner of the net before Symington finally got his just reward.

He bagged his hat-trick as Reds were awarded a third penalty and he held his nerve to beat the keeper and put his side 4-1 ahead.

"First and foremost the fans want to see Reds win and get the three points but we've also given them four goals today, three of those from Dave Symington, showing what he's capable of when he's in a more attacking position," added Hewson.

"His second was a top drawer finish. He's got two great feet, anywhere around the area, right or left foot, he's a threat.

"He's dangerous and he can score goals and it was a top class finish. That on its own was enough to win the game.

"And Rob Wilson doesn't seem to score tap-ins! A centre midfielder does need to chip in and score goals and he can certainly do that.

"He's got great technique and he's popped up with another screamer that was great for the fans to see and great for Rob.

"All credit to him, he works hard and I think he's been magnificent this season, in great form and long may that continue."