SWINDON SUPERMARINE threw away a relegation lifeline last night as a last-gasp defensive blunder cost them three precious Western Division points.

Victory against visiting Rugby United was in the palm of Marine's hand after Giles Harris finally livened up a wretched game with a coolly taken if contentious 90th-minute penalty.

But, not for the first time during their two seasons in the Dr Martens League, Marine conceded a crucial goal at the death.

Substitute Andy Grainge inexplicably missed his kick while trying to make a stoppage-time clearance and Rugby frontman Gary Moran pounced to roll the ball home with virtually the last kick of the game.

Before the last-minute goal flurry, loan signing Dave Toomey had gone closest with a point-blank header brilliantly saved by Dean Thomas in the 70th minute. That effort aside, neither keeper was forced to make a worthwhile save in a dour encounter.

If the heartbreak of dropping two points was not bad enough, news that chief relegation rivals Rocester had won against Cinderford left Hunts Copse thoroughly deflated and Marine eight points adrift in the drop zone.

JUSTIN MILLER'S 77th-minute equaliser earned Highworth a 1-1 draw against Hook Norton in the Hellenic Premier Division.

Melksham lost 3-1 at Paulton in the Screwfix Direct League.

LAST NIGHT'S FOOTBALL RESULTS

European u21 Champs: England U21 1 Turkey U21 1.

Nationwide League Division Three: Oxford 0 Carlisle 0.

Conference: Doncaster 0 Scarborough 1.

Dr Martens Western Division: Supermarine 1 Rugby Utd 1, Rocester 2 Cinderford 1, Warwick 2 Bedworth 3.