Hastings Town face an uphill struggle in their quest to lift the Dr Martens League Cup.

They were hit by two quickfire second-half goals that overturned Paul Jones' 60th-minute opener in the final first leg last night at the Pilot Field.

A Christian Moore scramble with 17 minutes left and cool finish from substitute Andy Garner put ex-England International Nigel Clough's men firmly in the driving seat.

Not only do they have a 2-1 advantage, but take into next Tuesday's second leg two precious away goals. But former Albion midfielder Stuart Myall believes Hastings can undo the damage in Staffordshire.

He said: "We fell asleep at the back and they took advantage of it, but we can still go up there and get a result. Our performance was a good one and the result certainly flattered them. We have got nothing to fear."

Midfielder partner Danny Simmonds remained defiant too. He added: "Our display showed we can still compete with the best. This is a club that can more than hold its own in the Premier Division.

Jones fired Hastings in front on 60 minutes after Myall's right wing pass crept across the face of goal. Terry White missed a glorious chance to double the lead moments later when he blasted wide from 12 yards.

The hosts kept up the momentum, sensing Burton were there for the taking, and Steve Yates had a 25-yard effort cleared off the line. Moore levelled when Clough's free-kick found its way into his path and he steered the ball home from close range.

Five minutes later ,Burton substitute Garner drifted past two tackles before blasting low past keeper Tony Kessell from the edge of the area. The midlands team had played the more controlled football in the opening 45 minutes, but it was the home side who actually went closest to breaking the deadlock.

White almost embarrassed keeper Nick Goodwin with a 40-yard free-kick that flashed inches over. Myall then ought to have done better than steer wide from close range after a corner and Simmonds' curling effort drifted over the bar.

Paul Hobbs, appointed to keep an eye on Clough, earned himself a booking for an over zealous tackle on the Burton player-manager.

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