LITTLETON remain second in the Athium Midland Combination Premier Division after a battling 2-2 home draw with lowly Pilkington XXX.

Despite two draws and two defeats in the last four games, Littleton’s record is impressive for a promoted team at the halfway point with 10 wins and only three losses.

Player unavailability, injuries and work commitments meant the team had to be reshaped for their latest encounter.

While the defence was settling down, Littleton went a goal behind on two minutes when a long ball caught them square, enabling Pilkington’s forward to brush off several challenges to score.

The pitch was heavy following rain and hampered Littleton’s passing game but they equalised on 24 minutes as Jamie Clarke powered through and chipped the keeper.

Soon after, Clarke converted a penalty for a foul on Dan Trotman but the visitors scored next from a simple near-post header with 20 minutes left.

Both sides had chances with Pilkington missing from point-blank range before their keeper picked up an injury-time back-pass.

The free-kick saw the ball hit a defender and the post before bouncing clear.

Littleton head to Stratford Alliance outfit The Badgers from Redditch in the Smedley Crooke Memorial Charity Cup on Saturday (1.30pm).

Pershore Town drew 1-1 at home to Lichfield City in the Premier Division with Sean Cooke on target. The King George V Playing Field hosts are two places below City in the table in 15th position.

Meanwhile, Shipston Excelsior powered to a surprise 10- 1 win at Kenilworth Town in Stratford Alliance Division One.

Badsey Rangers were also among the goals, thrashing lower-ranked Shipston Excelsior Reserves 7-1 in the RM Smith Cup.

Broadway United defeated Washford Lions 4-2 and Bidford Boys Club saw off Solihull Harriers 1-0.

Blockley Sports slumped 5-1 at home to Alveston but Welford-on-Avon triumphed 3-2 at FISSC.

Badsey Rangers Reserves drew 2-2 with Henley Forest Reserves in the Foster Shield, while Inkberrow Reserves romped to a 7-1 success at Shipston Excelsior Colts.