it comes to winning the Martonmere Cup not even they can match Boulevard's impressive record in the nineties.

And despite a recent slump in form, when it comes to the Martonmere Cup, Boulevard have the formula for success.

Tonight at Somerset they will be looking for more of the same when they take on Dandy Town in the second of two semi-finals at 9.00. The 7.00 opener sees Vasco playing Devonshire Colts.

Boulevard have already reached a record five straight Martonmere Cup finals, winning four and losing one. Three of those meetings have been against Vasco in the last four years and have included some thrilling contests, including last year's 3-2 win in extra-time.

Another Boulevard-Vasco final could be on the cards next month, though Town and Colts will have something to say about that.

On current form Town would be favourites over Boulevard, but with so much at stake, the defending champions will be difficult to beat.

Boulevard were missing playmaker Dwight Warren when they drew 1-1 with Wolves last Friday and his return could be just the boost the new-look team need.

Colts will have their work cut out trying to stop Vasco in the opening clash.

Like Boulevard, both teams have several new faces after some departures.

Any suggestion that Vasco would struggle this season was dispelled with their 4-0 hammering of Boulevard in their Martonmere Cup group match, though they haven't been able to transfer that form to the league where they have two draws in two outings.

GOATER'S CITY LOSE AGAIN SOC Goater's City lose again Two weeks ago they had problems with the Millwall fans, but last night even Manchester City's home fans turned on them after a 1-0 home defeat to Preston left them without a win in seven games in the English Second Division.

Bermudian Shawn Goater and his City team-mates left the field to a chorus of boos after they were beaten by a 71st minute penalty from Gary Parkinson after substitute Jon Macken was fouled in the area by Danny Tiatto.

The win leaves City in ninth place in the standings while second-placed Preston closed to within a point of leaders Stoke City who could only manage a 0-0 home draw with Chesterfield.

City had several chances as Gerard Wiekens hit the Preston bar and Finnish goalkeeper Teuvo Moilanen made a superb one-handed save to deny Tiatto. Goater went close to equalising when he had a drive deflected wide.