The safe hands of Winslow (Scaley) Williams saved Somerset's blushes and assured them a place in the semi-finals of the Martonmere Cup after their 0-0 draw against a spirited Boulevard outfit at Devonshire Rec. last night.

Time and again Williams made crucial saves to thwart his opponents, who produced some inspired soccer despite the absence of several regulars including centre-back Wayne (Bigga) Richardson.

None was more spectacular than when he denied Dwight (Payback) Warren's backpost header from an Amon Brown cross five minutes from the end. Williams dived to his left and palmed away one-handed an effort that appeared destined for the back of the net.

In a tense affair that began at breakneck pace Somerset controlled much of the early going, but Boulevard dug deep to produce endless pressure during the latter stages.

Rodney (Key) Bascome wasted a chance as early as the first minute of play when he blasted well over from 10 yards with the goal staring him in the face.

Responding in kind for Boulevard moments later was promising youngster Max Hull who brought out the first of several acrobatic saves from Williams as his shot at the edge of the area was fingertipped over the bar.

Next to bring the crowd to its feet was Brown in the 28th minute, who surprised the defence, firing at goal from an acute angle on the right only to see a diving Williams collect on the second attempt.

At this point Boulevard had garnered the upper hand on their more fancied opponents and attacked in droves with Brown ever present at right-midfield and another good looking youngster, Norrell Hull, a handful for the Somerset defence with his darting runs.

But for all their dominance the Blazers were unable to capitalize, which has been the case all season, where they have yet to score in five matches.

The end of the half had Williams again denying Warren as he smothered his left-footed drive off a freekick from close range.

Continuing from where the left off in the first, the Blazers almost went a goal up early in the second.

Delicate one-two passing between Warren, Vernon Eve and Vernon Symonds along the left side resulted in a cross from Warren running untouched across goal before being cleared by the Somerset defence.

At the other end Richard Scott made a mess of a chance in the 49th minute when he allowed the ball to harmlessly roll off his knee into the arms of 'keeper Ed Oliver from all of four yards.

Wily veteran Danny Rogers was introduced to Boulevard's attack after 51 minutes and the move almost reaped dividends as he produced a bit of magic, getting by two defenders and into the penalty, but was denied by the defence at the crucial moment.

This would be Boulevard's legacy on a night when they simply could not produce the finishing touch required to carry them through.

And when Williams pulled off what must be the save of the season they were left to rue the chances that went unfulfilled.

"It was a heartbreaker at the end because we did out best for what (the team) we had,'' said Warren, who performed admirably in midfield. "We gave it our all and are proud of ourselves still.

"I think we are coming into our own a lot.'' Marring what was a fairly played match was the double sending off of Somerset's Jerry Webb and Boulevard fullback Kevin Hodson for fighting during the closing stages.

Somerset now face Dandy Town in the first of next week's semi-finals.

Somerset: W.Williams; B.Simons, P.Place, L.Simmons, S.Morrissey; R.Simmons, K.Simmons (D.Robinson 69 mins), R.Tucker; R.Scott (B.Kirkpatrick 56 mins), J.Webb, R.Bascome Boulevard: E.Oliver; D.Boyles, V.Eve, K.Darrell, K.Hodson; D.Warren, A.Brown, V.Symonds (M.Trott 78 mins); N.Hull, M.Hull (D.Rogers 51 mins), M.Smith Men of the match: Wilslow Williams (Somerset), Kenneth Darrell (Boulevard).

Referee: Gregory Belboda.