MATCH SUMMARY Huddersfield (24) 44 Tries: Nero 2, R Paul 2, Aspinwall, Drew, March 2 Goals: De Vere 6 Salford (10) 14 Tries: Moule, Hodgson 2 Goal: Hodgson

Salford took an early lead when Aaron Moule crossed but the Giants responded with two tries in three minutes through Chris Nero and Robbie Paul.

And Huddersfield extended their advantage to 28-10 with further scores from Martin Aspinwall, Paul and Nero.

David Hodgson's score gave Salford hope but the Giants romped home with three more tries, Paul March scoring twice.

Paul, 30, was the star of the show and his vintage display from scrum-half has put the Giants within 80 minutes of their first Cup final appearance for 46 years.

And the home side's bid was helped by the accurate kicking of Michael De Vere, who nabbed six goals from eight attempts.

Hodgson showed his Great Britain potential with a try in either half, the second coming after an 80m run, but Reds coach Karl Harrison will be concerned that his side have now lost seven of their last eight League and Cup matches.

Huddersfield coach Jon Sharp:
"Robbie (Paul) has been fantastic. He's been a great signing for us, on and off the field and we've been good for him too.

"He was outstanding today. Apart from scoring two tries, he must have had a hand in three others. But he was only as good as the platform laid for him by the forwards.

"We're a big side and very direct and we've been getting over the top of sides in recent weeks."

Salford coach Karl Harrison:
"We've dropped off. We are low on confidence at the moment and we need to fix it pretty quickly.

"Huddersfield were better than we were in every aspect of the game. They ran harder and tackled harder and their three half-backs caused us a massive amount of problems.

"Our front row was totally outplayed and, as a front rower myself, that disappointed me."

Huddersfield: Reilly, Aspinwall, Wild, De Vere, Donlan, March, Paul, Mason, Drew, Jackson, Nero, Raleigh, Jones.
Replacements: Crabtree, Snitch, Smith, McDonald.

Salford: Fitzpatrick, Hodgson, Moule, Littler, Langi, Dunemann, Robinson, Rutgerson, Alker, Highton, Coley, Sibbit, Finnigan.
Replacements: Brocklehurst, Charles, Haggerty, Myler.

Referee: A Klein (London)