WORKINGTON Reds fans mingled with Manchester United legends Gary Neville and Paul Scholes as they cheered their side in a play-off final.

It was the club's biggest game in years and supporters were in high spirits despite eventually being beaten by Salford City, part-owned by the former players of the "bigger" Reds from Old Trafford.

Fans were even buying scarves for good luck before they set off on Saturday and as the wheels on the bus began to roll, the predictions did too.

Alan Airey, 59, of Embleton, was on board with son Richard, 17, and Richard's friends Joel Pennington, 17, and Ryan Gorley, 17.

Alan said: "Today is a massive game and Tuesday night's game against Blyth was the best I've seen. Whatever happens today, it's been a brilliant season. I predict 2-1 to Reds."

Joel, of Brigham, said: "Today will be the biggest game I've seen. I'm hoping for a win. Hopefully we'll see Gary Neville and their billionaire investor. I predict 2-0."

The bus picked up supporters at Oakhurst Service Station near Cockermouth and Penrith en route.

Kerry Styth, 34, of Cumwinton Road, Carlisle, had a very special reason for boarding.

Her partner Kyle May was due to play in his last ever Reds match before retiring.

She said: "I'm sad and excited to watch him. It means a lot. It would be unbelievable if they won. He got promoted the first season with Reds and it would be a dream come true if it happened again."

The bus pulled up at 1pm and the fans began to settle in with one group even putting up a banner featuring the words PRIDE OF CUMBRIA.

Reds also have supporters who live outside of Cumbria and Steven Crossley, 22, and Stef Little, 29, both of Skipton and Sean Rudd, 41, of Southport attended.

Just six minutes in May, who else, turned the ball home from a corner to get his swansong off to a flyer and the goal nearly sparked tears in the eyes of Kerry.

Salford equalised on 14 minutes, but Reds went into the break 2-1 up courtesy of Gareth Arnison.

Speaking at half-time, Gary Warwick, 33, of Johnston Street, Workington, said: “It was an excellent first half and a good team performance and some good goals.”

Andrew Furness, 36, of Newlands Lane, said: “It’s been a good team performance. Salford should be down to ten men, but their fans have been very welcoming. We need a big second half.”

Before the second half got underway, there was time for supporters to get autographs and selfies with Gary Neville and Paul Scholes.

But Reds were toppled when Salford scored twice in the space of five minutes to make it 3-2.

Even as the final whistle went and Salford celebrated a second consecutive promotion, the Reds fans kept their heads up despite the heartache.

Eric Dwyer, 20, of Laybourn Court, Moorclose, said: “I'm a bit gutted, but it was a good match. It was a close league this season and you can't argue with the effort they've given.”

John Martin, 72, of Udale Court, Workington, said: “I'm very disappointed. But it's been a superb season although they should have won the league.”

Despite the defeat, there was a feeling of pride on the journey home and even talk of Reds being the ones celebrating this time next year.

There's no doubt that the supporters enjoyed a match which they didn't think they'd be playing in just a week or so ago.