TEN-man Littleton lost succumbed to a single strike at promotion-hopefuls Atherstone Town on Saturday.

The Ton Boys worked hard but created little with Shay Palmer sent off during the second half of the 1-0 setback in Warwickshire.

Littleton keeper Jack Hartopp was forced into a fine low save during an uneventful first half with the Adders staying on the front foot immediately after the interval.

A swift break down the right separated the sides eight minutes into the second half with an initial shot repelled by Hartopp only for the ball to break kindly for Mitch Thompson to notch on the rebound.

Palmer's dismissal did not help Littleton's late push for a leveller and Atherstone's packed defence saw through the match to leave the visitors pondering a third defeat in four outings.

Tenth-placed Littleton will look to get back on track when they entertain a Bolehall Swifts side that sits 12th and a point behind in Midland League Division One on Saturday (3pm).