DANIEL Stubberfield turned in a match-winning performance to make sure it was heartbreak Hotel for the Alex.

The 19-year-old struck with two late goals to settle the clash of the Darwen teams -- and exact revenge for defeat in the clubs' first meeting earlier in the season.

The attacking midfielder fired home a sweet right foot drive and then rounded off a flowing move to seal victory late on.

It was the third goal in four games for the new boy who promises to be a handy acquisition for a Borough side still in two cup competitions.

Alex player/boss Tony Walmsley had few complaints in defeat admitted the better team won.

And had it not been for a fantastic performance from Curtis Bradshaw in the Alex net, the margin of defeat would have been bigger.

Bradshaw pulled off a string of fine saves in the first half as Borough, playing with the wind, failed to make their pressure count.

Centre back Graham Ainsworth had a powerful header well saved by Bradshaw but then headed over from the rebound.

And Louis Bentley crashed a shot against the bar from fully 30 yards withthe keeper beaten.

And Walmsley himself twice came to Alex's rescue with two headed clearancesoff the line.

With Alex surviving to the break and with the wind in their favour, it seemed victory could be theirs for the taking.

And they put Borough under pressure for the opening 10 minutes of the half -- with the impressive Mark Canary pulling the strings in the middle of the park.

But crucially, with the score still at 0-0, Alex wasted a number of good opportunities to take the lead.

Carl Pattinson went close with a near post effort while Pattinson again and Jim Briggs both missed in scoring positions.

The Borough weathered that early second half Alex onslaught -- with Lee Banks forced in to a few good saves -- and began to get their passing game together on a heavy pitch.

And with 20 minutes remaining, Borough made the crucial breakthrough. Lone striker Paul Kennedy latched on to a defensive clearance and skipped around his markng before driving in a dangerous low cross that Stubberfield met with an accurate drive across the keeper at the far post.

Then a combination of slick, quick passes from Gary Banks, Matt Turner and Bentley undid the Alex defence with Conrad Turner supplying the killer ball for Stubberfield to cooly convert pass the advancing Bradshaw.

With Alex's will now broken, Borough had chances to extend their lead in the closing 10 minutes.

Substitute James Grubb galloped clear down the right and only a smart save from Bradshaw denied Stubberfield his hat-trick.

The keeper then produced two classy saves to deny Bentley in a one-on-one then palmed away a powerful drive by Conrad Turner.

Alexandra Hotel...0 Borough Hotel...2

ALEX HOTEL: Curtis Bradshaw, Ryan West, Tony Walmsley, Glen Trobe, Paul Ickey, Chris Walker, Mark Canary, Julian West, Carl Pattinson, Jim Briggs, Andy Tootle. Sub: Russ Egan.

BOROUGH HOTEL: Lee Banks, Martin Longworth, Graham Ashworth, Tony Walsh, Martin Dodds, Conrad Turner, Matt Turner, Gary Banks, Louis Bentley, Daniel Stubberfield, Paul Kennedy. Subs: James Grubb, Carl Faulkner, Jordan Bentley.