SWINDON SUPERMARINE'S lack of killer instinct prevented manager Tommy Saunders from collecting a second home victory in four days as his side slumped to a 1-0 defeat to Ilkeston.

Saunders has signed strikers Glenn Armstrong and Alan Young since assuming control a fortnight ago, adding to a forward line that already boasted the likes of Jimmy Carter, Justin Miller and Dave Toomey.

Despite that embarrassment of riches and a host of good chances, Marine drew a blank and Ilkeston snatched maximum points with a smash and grab raid at Hunts Copse.

Toomey almost netted within the first five minutes, but his shot was blocked on the line by Tony Brown.

Former Swindon Town youngster Young hoping to gain match fitness with Marine before returning to the pro ranks had a decent penalty shout waved away as he was upended while attempting to connect with a Simon Futcher cross.

Toomey then hit a post from a Nathan Edwards centre and Carter's follow up was well saved by Ilkeston keeper Ross Turner.

Andy Evans tested Marine No 1 Tom King from range before the break but Saunders' men were dominant for the most part as the returning Steve Davies hit the base of the woodwork from a Futcher corner.

They were made to pay for their wastefulness in front of goal two minutes into the second half as Mark Laws' ambitious 30 yarder took a deflection and flew beyond King's reach.

Toomey and Young went close again as the hosts tried to salvage a point, before the latter hobbled off with an ankle injury which casts a doubt over his availability for the trip to Shepshed tomorrow night.

Giles Harris, back from suspension, had another penalty appeal turned down and Futcher and Carter had goal-bound efforts blocked as Marine failed to salvage a point, which was the least their performance warranted.

Saunders agreed, but was quick to praise the opposition for a job well done.

"I thought we deserved a draw at least, that would have been a fair result," he said.

"Ten out of 10 to Ilkeston though, they were very well organised, had one chance and took it.

"But we're slowly moving in the right direction and if the lads continue to play like that I'll be happy."

SUPERMARINE: King, Copp, Futcher, Bennett, Davies, Blastland, Harris, Edwards, Young, Toomey, Carter.

Subs: McCluskey, Slattery, Gill, Miller, Gilevicz.

CIRENCESTER had their trip to Cinderford cancelled as the Causeway playing surface failed a pitch inspection.

But the Centurions still had reason to celebrate as all of their title rivals suffered another bad weekend.

Leaders Redditch could only draw 0-0 at home to Taunton, their third game without a win.

Likewise, second-placed Rugby drew a blank in a stalemate at Sutton Coldfield.

Halesowen were beaten 2-0 at home by revamped Evesham and Gloucester lost 2-1 at Yate with former Chippenham Town favourite Matt Rawlins netting the winner.

The only side in the top eight to win were Team Bath, who beat Stourport 2-1 to move up to third.

Ciren are fourth, 15 points behind Redditch, but with six games in hand on them and most of the other candidates.

Brian Hughes' men return to action for a crucial trip to title rivals Halesowen tomorrow.