GILD-EDGE WARRIOR

OLIVER GILDART broke Salford’s hearts by clinching Wigan a Challenge Cup Final spot.

The Red Devils were hoping to reach their first final since 1969 and led at half-time in this cracking semi-final.

But the Warriors slowly but surely crushed the life out of their opponents after the break to set up a Wembley date with holders Hull on August 26.

Wigan coach Shaun Wane said: “I am a happy man and without sounding cocky, I thought we deserved it.”

Salford led at half-time with tries from Greg Johnson and new signing Tyrone McCarthy.

Beauty

Wigan made life difficult for themselves by having Sam Tomkins and Anthony Gelling sinbinned.

They also had two tries disallowed, one a controversial decision after Joe Burgess appeared to have scored a beauty.

Wane said: “We had tries disallowed and a couple of spells with 12 men, so I am very proud of my men.”

In the end, it was Wigan’s biggame experience that probably pulled them through to seal a record-extending 20th cup final appearance.

They have been in 16 finals since Salford last got there and the Red Devils had not been in a semi-final since 1998.

But Salford coach Ian Watson felt the defeat could help his team become silverware contenders.

He said: “If we make the Super 8s semi-final and maybe Grand Final, we can show people what we have learned from today.”

Wigan raced into a 12-0 lead with Gildart’s first try and one from Willie Isa before the Red Devils struck back to lead.

The Warriors took control in the second half with a try from Micky McIlorum, two George Williams goals and a Tomkins drop goal.

Gelling’s moment of madness, heading a ball away to stop Salford playing, earned him a yellow card.

But Salford were too shattered to seize the chance and Gildart came up with the killer blow with his second try at the death.