Salford Red Devils moved to within one win of a place in the Super League Grand Final after defeating Castleford Tigers 22-0.

Ian Watson's side were narrowly beaten by Wigan Warriors in their first play-off match, but their third-place finish in the regular season ensured a second bite at the apple.

The Red Devils took full advantage on Thursday, outclassing and outmuscling Castleford, who beat last season's runners-up Warrington Wolves last time out.

In a contest which was essentially settled in the first half, Tyrone McCarthy burst through Castleford's ranks in the 11th minute, with Krisnan Inu drilling over a simple conversion.

Salford soon doubled their tally, Jake Bibby doing brilliantly to lunge over in the corner just before he was hauled into touch – Inu adding the extras with an excellent kick.

Jordan Rankin seemed set to haul Castleford back into it when he picked a gap in Salford's line, only for Niall Evalds to make a fantastic last-ditch tackle just short of the line.

Inu's penalty furthered Salford's lead heading into the break, with the hosts' defence dominating after the restart before Jack Hastings – who like Bibby will join Wigan next season – raced over to cap a wonderful night for the Red Devils.

Watson and his team will have to wait until Friday to find out their next opponents, with a win against the loser of St Helens' clash with Wigan all that separates Salford from a place in the title match at Old Trafford on October 12.