Wigan coast into Challenge Cup quarter-finals with win over Salford
Warriors beat the Red Devils 20-0
Wigan booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Betfred Challenge Cup after a 20-0 victory over Salford Red Devils.
The Warriors led 14-0 at the break with tries from Liam Byrne and Liam Marshall as they scored two tries in the space of three first-half minutes. Two conversions and a penalty from Zak Hardaker saw them take control.
Salford had their chances to post points, but they found it difficult to break down Wigan's strong defence. The Warriors soaked up a lot of pressure before securing their place in the quarter-finals with a fine try from John Bateman.
Wigan took the lead in the 12th minute through Byrne. Salford coughed up possession deep in their own half as Marc Sneyd knocked on. Three tackles later and the prop forward powered his way over from close range.
The Warriors then made it two tries in three minutes following a long delay for the video referee. Cade Cust's kick to the corner was missed by Marshall and Deon Cross and the ball bounced up in the arms of the Wigan winger to touch down. Hardaker kicked both goals and the Warriors led 12-0.
Rhys Williams almost got Salford on the scoreboard, but he was bundled into touch by Liam Marshall. Hardaker then kicked Wigan into a 14-0 lead after Cust - who was causing the Red Devils a whole host of problems - was hit high under the posts.
Salford lost James Greenwood 13 minutes before the break as he was helped from the field as he went down awkwardly from a Tommy Leuluai tackle that was put on report.
Salford enjoyed a lot of possession in the final 10 minutes of the half, but Wigan's defence held firm with Tim Lafai and Joe Burgess held inches short.
Salford continued to attack Wigan's line in the second half, but it was the Warriors who scored the first points of the half with a try from nothing.
Cust offloaded the ball in the tackle to Leuluai, who then sent a kick towards Hardaker. The ball bounced favourably into his arms, he then broke a tackle and sent the ball back inside for Bateman to score. Hardaker kicked the goal and Wigan were 20-0 in front.
Wigan had their tails up and they almost scored a fourth try with Powell going over after chasing his own kick through, but it was ruled out for a knock on by the video referee.