LITTLETON'S winning streak came to an abrupt end with a 5-1 home defeat to phoenix club Ilkeston Town who were formerly plying their trade in the Northern Premier League.

On a windy afternoon, the Midland League Division One game-changer came in the first couple of minutes when Littleton keeper Jack Hartopp was injured in a collision in the goalmouth.

After protracted treatment, he resumed although with limited mobility with the home club not having a spare keeper on the books.

The visitors took full advantage and following a series of free-kicks awarded on the edge of the box soon found themselves four up on the half-hour.

The first was a daisy-cutter which the keeper could not get down to, then a curling one into the top corner.

The third goal was a fine drive by Marshall after being played onside.

The fourth quickly followed again from a free-kick with the keeper's mobility a deciding factor.

Littleton created the odd chance themselves and pulled a goal back from a David Edwards header.

But Ilkeston's fifth came from a long free-kick which evaded the keeper and was tapped in from close range.

Mid-table Littleton put Edwards in goal for the second half which passed without further goals with both teams glad to return to the comfort of the dressing room out of the fierce wind.

Littleton visit high-flying Atherstone Town on Saturday (3pm).

Struggling Pershore Town picked up a much-needed point and clean sheet with a 0-0 home draw against Leicester Road.

They host mid-table Lichfield City on Saturday (3pm).