DAVE Webb hopes Swindon Supermarine can reach pastures new tonight as they bid to reach the Southern League Division One South & West play-off final.

Webb has twice led Marine to the play-offs before – in the 2012-13 season and again 12 months later – but on each occasion they were beaten in the semi-finals away at Merthyr Town.

A different opponent stands in Marine’s way of promotion this evening as they travel to Taunton Town and manager Webb is eager to re-write the history books in Somerset.

“We are looking forward to it,” said Webb.

“It is a semi-final, we have had two of those in the past but we’ve never won a semi before in the play-offs.

“I am really hoping for this squad of players, with the effort put in and how excellent they’ve been all season, that they can go one step further than we’ve ever been before.

“It’s about trying to put a positive performance in and winning the game.

“I’m just hoping my team can go there and express themselves, play well and take us to a final.”

Taunton head into the contest after signing off the season with back-to-back defeats but Webb does not believe it represents a loss of form at a crucial time.

“They are a very good side. They were my tip to win the league this year but they have finished third,” said Webb.

“They will be confident they can go through the play-offs, as we are. It will be a good game.

“I don’t think they will be short of confidence, they’ve had two tough games. They’ve been to Cinderford and Banbury, the top two sides.

“They have lost their last two, whereas we are unbeaten in four but form goes out of the window in the play-offs, it’s all about the team that turns up on the night and plays well.

“They are a strong group of players. They are a physically strong side - they have goal scorers in Lewis Powell and Jordan Rogers.”

Webb reported a clean bill of health following Saturday’s final game of the season before the play-offs – a goalless draw at home to Didcot Town – and hopes to welcome back Bradley Gray and Chris Taylor tonight after they sat out at the weekend.

“Brad was just given a break on Saturday. He has got a slight ankle injury but he is fine and Chris Taylor has had a muscle problem in his back,” said Webb.

“I am hoping he will be OK.”