A DANIEL Stubberfield hat-trick ensured Darwen returned from the seaside with all three NWCL Division Two points.

Such was the one-sided nature of the second-half, the striker could even have bagged more, prompting Darwen boss Steve Wilkes to say: "Daniel is beginning to show his true worth and his goals capped a battling team performance."

Sullivan put the hosts ahead on seven minutes after cutting inside and bending the ball over keeper Rob Batty, before Darwen responded minutes later with a 40-yard lob by Stubberfield.

Mark Westhead missed a one-on-one early in the second-half only to make amends shortly after with another lob following a blocked effort by Stubberfield.

The Fylde side hit back with yet another lob to make it 2-2 before Wilkes, Lee Webb and Westhead all had to limp off with injuries.

Stubberfield stepped up to convert a spot-kick after being brought down in the area then spurned a clutch of further opportunities.

Blackpool were then awarded a penalty at the other end after a disputed foul by Matt Anderton however Batty palmed the ball away for a corner.

Stubberfield then proceeded to slot home with only the keeper to beat to seal the victory and grab his third of the game.

BLACKPOOL MECHANICS ...2

DARWEN ...4