FEW spectators left Hunts Copse satisfied on Saturday, but Supermarine manager Mark Copse was happy enough after a miserable goalless draw with Cinderford.

"We would have lost that game a month ago," he said.

"The lads are disappointed we haven't beaten Cinderford and that shows you how far we have come in the past few weeks.

"Conditions made it very difficult, but I thought we played well in the circumstances and it keeps our little run going."

Marine are now unbeaten in three league games and are slowly pulling clear of the bottom places in Division One West.

Chances were at a premium against a traditionally resolute Cinderford side.

Marine keeper Tom King parried a sixth-minute shot from former Cirencester forward Richard Kear and Chris Copp blocked Andy Hoskins' rebound.

Tony Joyce did well to get behind former Marine loanee Luke Buttery and delivered a cross that Steve Davies headed wide midway through the first half.

The breakthrough almost arrived on 72 minutes when Ian Howell's free-kick was crashed against the cross bar by the head of Davies.

Lee Allen created the best opening of the game three minutes later. An intelligent shimmy on the edge of the box saw the Cinderford defence open up but his ferocious strike fell narrowly wide.

Marine keeper King then slipped when clearing his lines and the ball fell kindly to Rhys Jones who wasted the opportunity by flashing his shot wide of the upright.

Nathan Edwards seemed to be felled in the box with five minutes to go but referee Mr Gee decided the foul had taken place out side the area much to the relief of the Foresters.

Late substitute Simon Futcher almost sealed the win in the final minute, but his cute chip failed to trouble Andy Fisher, gliding just over the bar.

SUPERMARINE: King, Copp, Howell, Edwards, Hunt, Davies, Joyce, Allen (Futcher 82), Toomey, Bennett (Gee78), Jenkins.Subs not used: M Jones, Miles, Byfield.