SHAUN Reid says a cup final starting spot is an incentive to his Warrington Town players for the rest of the season.

He was delighted with Town’s performance as they booked a Doodson Sport Cup final place with a 3-0 win over higher-ranked Ilkeston on Tuesday night.

First-half goals from Scott Metcalfe, Stephen Tames and Ben Wharton saw Shaun Reid's side progress at Cantilever Park at the Northern Premier League outfit's expense.

It sets up a final with the winners of Ramsbottom or Farsley.

Reid shuffled his pack for the cup, and says the gamble paid off.

"I decided to change it all," he said. "Sometimes you have to make changes and I'm very pleased with the manner of the performance.

"The application of the players was different class."

Top scorer Metcalfe headed the opener from Nathan Burke's cross on 17 minutes.

Ten minutes later Wharton, having squandered an earlier chance, turned provider for Tames to double Town's lead.

But the forward did get his goal on 35 minutes, netting at the second attempt after his initial effort from Chris Gahgan's low cross was saved.

That was enough to send Town through to a final that is expected to be played at Stockport County's Edgeley Park.

The win came after back-to-back defeats for Town, who followed up a loss to New Mills last Tuesday with a 2-0 defeat at play-offs chasing Spenymoor on Saturday.

The Yellows host second-placed Darlington 1883 this Saturday.

And Reid says the prospect of a cup final starting spot should be an incentive to his players.

"I can only pick 11 – you don’t want to be sitting next to me on cup final day – so from now until then they have to perform," added the Town boss, whose side lost 2-0 away at Darlington in August.

"They are trying to find a way back to the Football League and it’s something we are aiming for, to reach their heights.

"But there’s no love lost between me and Darlington, so if anyone wants to beat them it’s me.

"We will be going out full throttle. When Mr (Martin) Gray and his mob come over on Saturday we’ll be ready."