Boulevard clinched the first Martonmere Cup semifinal spot last night at Devonshire Rec despite playing the entire second half with 10 men after the sending off of Stevie Wade marred their achievement.

Wade, who was a threat to the Somerset defence, let his teammates down in the 37th minute when he got the red card from referee Roddy Burchall for deliberately kicking fullback George Cann just seconds after being shown the yellow card for a late challenge on goalkeeper Antoine Swan.

And while Burchall missed the kick on Cann, linesman Gregory Simons spotted it and called Burchall over. Wade refused to leave the field and team manager Mitchell Allers had to come on to escort him off, though it was another six minutes before the player reached the dressing room, by which time Boulevard coach Gary Mallory and match official Lyndon Raynor had to be called.

Boulevard had the better of what few clear-cut chances there were in the first half as the busy Clinton Caisey in midfield was their main spark.

Captain Dwight Warren put a shot over the bar in the 25th minute before Neil Robinson wasted a first time shot and then passed to the far post where Caisey drove a volley just over the crossbar.

At the other end, Billy Kirkpatrrick drilled a first time shot over the bar after a move by Dwight Basden down the right.

Despite playing short, Boulevard continued to look threatening in the second half with Kenny Hill shooting just over the bar in the 66th minute.

Soon after, Wayne Richardson wasted one of the better chances of the match when a chip into the box from a freekick by Warren landed at the big defender's feet. However, Richardson was unable to get off a shot and the Somerset defence recovered to avert the danger.

Somerset: A.Swan; F.Smith, T.Dickenson, P.Place, G.Cann; A.Burchall (R.Tucker 62 mins), A.Rahman, S.Arorash; K.Tucker, D.Basden (R.Bascome 67 mins), B.Kirkpatrick.

Boulevard: M.Steede; D.Boyles, W.Richardson, L.Stevens, V.Eve; A.Caisey (S.Smith 73 mins), C.Caisey, N.Robinson (A.Brown 71 mins); D.Warren; K.Hill; S.Wade.

Referee: Roddy Burchall.

Men of the match: Steven Arorash (Somerset); Clinton Caisey (Boulevard).

Devonshire Colts 1 Dandy Town 1 An inauspicious 1-1 draw was the result of this Martonmere Cup clash between Dandy Town and Devonshire Colts, with two second half goals the lone saving grace for the insipid affair.

Town midfielder Pernell Douglas applied finishing touches to a move he began midway of the opponents half in the 67th minute to put his side ahead, but fellow number Mark Ray was equally effective five minutes later, when he too shook the twine, giving Colts a life.

A story of futility unfurled for both teams, as neither produced much inspiration, especially in attack, and the fans justly rode them as they became tired of what was a woesome charade.

The match started with promise though. Kris Martin presented strike partner Walter Musson with a straightforward chance on Town's first attacking move, only for the latter to fire wide when well in the clear.

Two minutes later Musson again suffered the ignominy of a wasted free-kick which he also placed off-target.

Caught unaware by the early barrage, Colts finally got a hand in the proceedings during the seventh minute and it was Quincey Aberdeen supplying fireworks through a curling right-footed shot from the left side that goalkeeper Cymande Davis tipped over for a corner.

A period of relative inactivity ensued. Colts were indecisive in attack, while Town's forward line of Martin, Paul Cann and Musson found holes in the opposition but were unable to capitalise.

After the interval came the spark the game sorely needed when Douglas took over possession from teammate Carlos Smith -- a substitute for Musson -- and neatly weaved his way through the defence, tucking the ball into Antoine Lightbourne's left corner.

The advantage lasted little more than five minutes before Ray showed perseverance to gain control of a ball in the Town penalty area and squeezed it home.

Dandy Town: C.Davis; W.Rudo; T.Harvey; W.Campbell; D.Lewis; P.Douglas; D.Boyles; K.Martin; T.Lewis (C.Riley 78 mins); P.Cann; W.Musson.

Devonshire Colts: A.Lightbourne; K.Burchall; D.Wright; J.Samuels; L.Hypolite; D.Williams (H.Trott 73 mins); G.Burt; M.Ray; Q.Aberdeen; E.Weldon; K.Smith.

Referee: Stuart Crockwell.

Men of the match: Kris Martin (Dandy Town); Keenan Burchall (Devonshire Colts).