SWINDON SUPERMARINE might be facing an epic relegation battle in the Dr Martens League, but at least they have a cup final to look forward to.

Ray Baverstock's beleaguered troops pulled off a fine 2-1 win over a youthful Swindon Town side last night to book their place in the Wiltshire Premier Shield showpiece.

Jimmy Carter struck deep into the second half of extra-time to give Marine the edge after Mark Draycott's 88th-minute leveller for Town had forced the additional period.

Marine's victory sets up a showdown with either Chippenham or Salisbury who meet in the other semi this evening.

Manager Baverstock was delighted with the way way his men performed following Saturday's dismal 3-0 derby defeat to Cirencester.

"We've still not got over Saturday yet, but I'm really pleased with the commitment we showed. The lads redeemed themselves a little bit here.

"Getting into the final should give them a lift now.

"The league remains our priority but it would be nice to get a bit of silverware for the club."

Baverstock was right to be pleased after watching his team grow in stature as the game progressed.

The goalless first leg at Hunts Copse was immediately forgettable but last night's affair soon promised better as both sides carved good early openings.

Draycott continued to show his obvious potential and only the outstretched leg of Marine keeper Elliot Jackson denied the young striker a ninth-minute goal.

His equally dangerous strike partner Jamie Cheeseman then saw a cheeky chip over Jackson bounce back off the post before the visitors began to find their feet.

Richard Bourne wriggled free of the Town defence to drive an angled shot across the face of Steve Smith's goal on 34 and Dave Slattery had two good efforts from range saved by the Robins' promising custodian before the break.

Cheeseman threatened again 10 minutes into the second-half, with a graceful run beyond two markers and a sweet strike that dipped just over Jackson's bar.

But it was Marine who opened the scoring with a set piece on the hour mark.

Veteran Mark Saunders bent a raking free-kick into the box and Darren McCluskey a former Town trainee rose highest to head home at the back post.

Playing with new-found confidence, the visitors really had a go at their youthful counterparts and Carter could have easily finished the job early.

Smith frustrated the Marine striker by smothering the ball as he raced free towards goal on 63.

Eight minutes later, Smith was left in no-man's land as Carter connected with Steve Dix's long ball but his header drifted inches wide of goal.

Marine still looked on course for a 1-0 second-leg victory until Draycott produced a moment of magic two minutes from time.

The prolific hitman pounced on a moment of hesitation between Saunders and Jackson, sending an instinctive left-foot strike low inside the far post from 15 yards.

Town's full-timers were expected to go on and prove their superior fitness in extra-time and true enough they controlled the additional two periods for the most part.

But Carter had not read the script and Dave Gee's teasing left-wing cross was met on the full by the former Cirencester forward and the ball flashed beyond the grasp of Smith and into the bottom corner of Town's net for a dramatic 118th-minute winner.

CORSHAM Town were beaten 1-0 by Larkhall in the Screwfix First Division.