A superb header by striker Clay Smith three minutes from time enabled Vasco to squeeze out a Martonmere Cup semi-final victory at Somerset last night, earning them the right to meet Boulevard in the November 11 final.

Just when extra-time seemed inevitable, Smith killed off Town with his effort from 12 yards after substitute Sammy Swan had sent over a pinpoint cross from the right flank.

It was the second goal for Smith, the first coming in a similar manner following a corner from Sinclair Gibbons as he smartly turned home a header from close range after 53 minutes -- that goal breaking the deadlock in a game that had previously produced very few chances.

Sandwiched between these two strikes by Smith was Dandy Town's lone goal which came after 70 minutes, levelling the score at 1-1, as Darron Simons netted from 14 yards after taking a free kick from Jomar Wilkinson.

That goal came five minutes after substitute goalkeeper Antoine Lightbourne stopped Kentoine Jennings from putting Vasco two goals up by diving to smother his firm header.

But it was a game that Town didn't deserve to lose.

They dictated much of the play and only some fine defending by Vasco prevented the Town forwards from getting into goalscoring range.

Even after Smith's second goal, Town remained competitive and were unlucky when goalkeeper Tim Figureido fell to save a blast from Carlos Smith 15 yards out.

The game was marred by petty infringements that led to a number of bookings for players from both teams.

Each team also lost players to injury.

Vasco lost forward Shawn Simmons after 13 minutes when he fell awkwardly and twisted his knee while Town lost goalkeeper Cymande Davis after 55 minutes when he was involved in a clash with Steven Mendes.

Vasco: T.Figureido; T.Dickinson, M.Wade, K.Jennings, E.Richardson; S.Gibbons, O.Steede, S.Mendes (P.Towlson, 83 mins); S.Simmons (Keith Jennings, 13 mins), C.Smith, D.Basden (S.Swan, 71 mins).

Dandy Town: C.Davis (A.Lightbourne, 55 mins); J.Marshall, N.Paynter, D.Outerbridge, D.Bailey; J.Wilkinson, D.Boyles, K.Martin (S.Tuzo, 60 mins); P.Cann (C.Smith, 66 mins), D.Simons, R.Tucker.

Referee: Richard Knight Men of the match: Kentoine Jennings (Vasco); Devarr Boyles (Town).

In the earlier Commercial League Cup B final, Fire Service defeated North Village Rams 3-2 on penalty kicks after the sides were deadlocked 2-2 after extra-time.

Rams failed to clinch victory in the first period of extra-time when Kenny Thompson's penalty struck the post.

Ralp Scott scored the two goals for the winners in regulation time while Sherwin Hollis and Garreth Dill netted for Rams.