GOALKEEPER Warren Jackson produced an inspired display as Devizes Town edged past their Wiltshire League visitors to book a Wiltshire Senior Cup semi-final date with Calne Town.

Justin Lisle's clinical finish midway through the second half settled a scrappy encounter, but the hosts were indebted to young stopper Jackson after he pulled off a brilliant late double stop to keep plucky Trowbridge at bay.

Devizes boss Pete Tripp admitted the encounter had been anything but a cup classic, and was simply happy to have seen his men negotiate a potential banana skin.

He said: "The conditions were difficult for both sides. The pitch was rock hard and bumpy, it was windy and the sun was getting in the players' eyes.

"But we showed a lot of character and that bit of extra quality in front of goal from Justin has got us through.

"We were evenly matched. They are going along nicely in the Wiltshire League, while we are struggling in our league. There was only ever going to be one goal in it.

"It was good to keep a clean sheet and to keep it tight at the back. We have shown that if we get the chances then we will score, but we give goals away too easily sometimes."

Tripp was quick to praise Jackson's contribution to his side's victory on Saturday.

He said: "Warren was absolutely outstanding. He pulled off a good save in the first half and then a double save ten minutes from the end that has got us through.

"His kicking and punching was good as well and that was nice to see."

The experienced former Warminster and Street manager Gerry Pearson made his Devizes debut in midfield, with Neil Dix joining Lisle in attack.

Trowbridge, currently ninth in the Wiltshire League, carved out the better chances of a dour first half and Jackson did well to deny both Jack Heard and Dave Percival.

The home side broke the deadlock on 65 minutes. Dix took on two defenders before laying the ball to teenage strike partner Lisle, who finished well from the edge of the area.

Jackson produced a double save to foil Percival in the closing stages and helped secure Devizes' place in the last four with a late block from Heard.

Devizes will now face Calne at Melksham Town FC on April 2, but Tripp has more pressing matters to deal with before the semi-final showdown.

He said: "That will be a difficult game for us but, now we have got Trowbridge out of the way, we have got three league games to think about first.

"Being in the competition keeps everyone bubbling and let's hope we can see some improvement in the league on the back of a win on Saturday."

Devizes find themselves in the Premier Division's relegation zone for the first time this season after fellow strugglers Barnstaple picked up four points in the space of as many days.

Tripp's men are now two points behind the Devon side with two games in hand, and the Devizes boss insists he will not be pressing the panic button just yet.

He said: "It is not a problem being in there. It gives you a clear idea of where you are and we know if we win one of our games in hand then we will go above them. It is back in our hands again."

Devizes travel to Barnstaple for a crunch encounter on March 29, but must first face fourth placed Bridgwater at Nursteed Road on Saturday and a trip to title-chasing Brislington on Tuesday night, kick off 7.45pm. New signing Richard Clarke could miss out on Saturday after injuring his back against Trowbridge, while Jackson is unavailable. Stewart Swann will deputise between the posts.

Said Tripp: "I personally think the title will go to Team Bath, but both Bridgwater and Brislington will still be hoping they can win it.

"Both of them will come and have a go at us and that can leave gaps for us to exploit. If we can keep it tight, then who knows what will happen?"