Handsworth Continental Star Res 0, Littleton 4

ON a gluepot of a pitch mysteriously passed as fit, Littleton recorded their 12th successive win in all competitions to maintain their challenge for the Midland Combination Division Three title.

However, it has to be said that the margin of victory was very flattering as a Des Cox hat-trick in the final 18 minutes gave a scoreline that was very harsh on the hosts.

With their first team game called off, Handsworth were able to strengthen their side and, as both teams struggled to come to terms with the conditions, the first 20 minutes produced few shots on goal.

Littleton had the first real effort on goal when Cox burst through but, under pressure, his cross went across the goal and past a post.

Littleton were indebted to goalkeeper Adam Moss in the 33rd minute when he made a super save with his legs to deny Peter Logie.

The deadlock had been broken two minutes earlier when Cox broke down the left and found Billy Hiden in the middle. After his first effort was blocked Hiden was able to steer the rebound home from 12 yards.

At the start of the second half Littleton went close twice, but Handsworth gradually took control and put Littleton under intense pressure.

Major, Cotton, Beddoes, and Edwards defended valiantly and, with the midfield of Deacon Williams and Wilde being forced back, play was concentrated in Littleton's half.

Moss was outstanding in goal and when he was beaten the ball stopped in a puddle on the goal line enabling Beddoes to get back to clear.

As often happens however, the side under pressure breaks away and scores. A pass from Hiden found Cox and he ran all of 45 yards, beating two defenders holding his nerve, and tucking the ball past the advancing keeper for his 100th goal for Littleton in only 87 games.

He embarked on a second century ten minutes later when a move involving Chris Bate and Hiden saw him score from close- range.

Cox then wrapped up the scoring two minutes from time when he pounced on a poor back pass before rounding the keeper and tapping in.

Littleton are at home to Badsey United in the semi-final of the Evesham Hospital Cup on Saturday, kick-off 2.15pm.