GREGOR TOWNSEND reckons Glasgow's hard-fought 14-6 victory over the Scarlets at Scotstoun was the perfect launchpad for a Pro12 play-off push.

Warriors got the only try of the game in the 31st minute when Fijian flying-machine Nikola Matawalu sliced through the Welsh defence. Duncan Weir added three penalties.

The vital victory has taken Glasgow nine points clear of the sixth-placed Welsh side and sets up Toony's troops for the visit of fourth-placed Ospreys on Friday night.

Townsend said: "I thought it was a very solid performance indeed. We dominated most of the game and really controlled Scarlets and it was just a pity we were not able to turn that control into a more decisive margin of victory.

"But I was really pleased with the way that Niko Matawalu took his try as it is always very satisfying to see something you have worked hard on during training pay off.

"Given that Scarlets had an advantage over us in terms of having played last week, while we have been inactive for three weeks, it was just a very pleasing win.

"It also has the effect of making life very difficult for them in terms of catching us and damaging their play-off aspirations.

"It's always nice to do the double over a team when they did the same to you in the previous season."

Townsend went on: "Our failure to earn a bonus point could have been down to rustiness, or perhaps the guys were playing safe with an eight-point cushion.

"But this victory has made it much tougher for the Scarlets to come through as contenders for the knockout stages and denying them a consolation point was a good outcome."

The coach was also delighted with the return to action of skipper Al Kellock, who came on as a second-half replacement after being sidelined for four months following bicep surgery.

He said: "It was great to get big Al back involved again. He also made a crucial tackle in the second period that saved a try and really put himself about.

"To have come through a very physical game like that will have given him a lot of confidence in terms of his injury."

Next up for Townsend's men is a visit from an Ospreys side who hammered Cardiff 34-9 and the Glasgow head coach has no doubt about how hard it will be to complete a Welsh double.

He said: "They are four points above us but have played two more games than us and if we can get the win on Friday night it would be absolutely massive.

"We have a lot of sore bodies but hopefully nothing too severe and with it being a six- day turnaround that is always a challenge.

"But I can't play down the importance of this game and it is great that we have given ourselves the perfect platform."