TWO late goals denied Littleton's bid to get off the mark in Midland League Division One.

They suffered their ninth straight defeat with a 2-0 home loss to Hinckley AFC despite largely dominating the encounter.

Both teams have had difficult starts and in a quiet opening play was confined to midfield.

But on 17 minutes a through-ball from James Schembri found Ryan Reeves and his shot from 16 yards smashed against the bar.

Littleton continued to press and a shot from Sam Beddoes went just over.

On 30 minutes Hinckley keeper Adam Harrison was sent off for bringing down Beddoes just outside the box.

The second half saw Littleton dominate ­— a half-volley from Matt Hirons was pushed clear and Beddoes was twice denied when through by good goalkeeping.

Reeves was a threat with his pace but the breakthrough just would not come.

However on 89 minutes the visitors were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box and James Jepson's strike was deflected home giving keeper Josh Rogers no chance.

The second goal was well taken by Grant Ryan.

Littleton went out of the Worcestershire FA Senior Urn last week with a 4-0 defeat at Studley.

Littleton visit Atherstone Town in the league on Saturday (3pm).