THE DECLINE of Hastings Town continued with an undeserved 4-1 defeat at home to Burton Albion.

Three goals in a five-minute spell just before half-time sealed Hastings' fate in this Dr Marten's Premier Division match.

Hastings made a bright start with Spencer Mintram forcing a good save from Nick Goodwin.

Steve Smith should have scored but managed to hit the crossbar from six yards.

Burton then forced Tony Kessell into two excellent double saves before Pat Lyons opened the scoring from close range.

Lyons claimed his second with a neat finish and Mark Blount headed in a free kick to make the half-time score 3-0.

Stuart Playford pulled one back with a sharp second half header only for Andy Garner to add Burton's fourth.

Hastings battled on to the end and went close through Danny Simmonds, Smith and Stuart Myall.

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