“When we play the way I know we can, no-one in this league can handle us,” – that was the verdict of Workington Reds boss Danny Grainger after their 4-0 victory over Prescot Cables.

For long periods on Saturday the game had 0-0 written all over it but after a moment of madness from Prescot sub Lloyd Dean which saw him strike Conor Tinnion and be sent from the field, Reds upped the ante.

And with four goals in 15 minutes they secured the win and three crucial league points.

Grainger admitted the red card spurred his side on, with Prescot just having the edge before that points.

“Til the sending off it was a bit of a null and void game, there was no tempo, no tackles flying in and no quality,” said Grainger.

“Credit to Prescot, they were better than us in the first 45 minutes, bar one or two bits, as we never really got going.

“To be honest the sending off sort of hyped our boys up and they started to play at the tempo I know they can.

“And when they do that I’ll stick my neck out and say ‘when we play the way we can no-one in this league can handle us’.

“I don’t mind saying it as I have belief in the players in the dressing room. We are the best team in this league and if we carry on playing the way we can then we will be successful.”

Grainger was proud of his players in the aftermath of the red card of how they knuckled down, got back on with the game and got the job done.

“The way they played after the skirmish and their tempo was great,” he added. “I know it was 10-men but the way they picked them off and picked and chose when they went forward, that’s what they are about and they can be so successful doing that.”

He also admitted the red card was shocking, adding: “It’s something I’ve never seen before in all my time in football, the sub came on and to be honest he got away with one.”He picked up a bit of mud and slapped it in Ceiran Casson’s face, we all saw it in the dugout and asked the linesman and referee to keep an eye on him.”And lo and behold he done it again straight away and smacked Conor Tinnion in the face for no reason at all, it was absolutely ridiculous.”

Reds are due back in action at Borough Park tomorrow night in the Integro League Cup against Mossley.