By Kieron Curtis

LITTLE Hulton Reds slipped to the bottom of North West Men's Division Three after a difficult away trip to Wigan Bulldogs ended in a narrow 40-38 defeat.

The Reds position at the bottom was confirmed by Bolton Mets' victory over Burtonwood Bridge.

Little Hulton were first to score in sweltering conditions on the doorstep of the DW stadium.

Mike Sherwin punished a spilled catch from the opposition full-back, driving over for his second try in only three games of rugby league.

The lead was short-lived, however, with a defensive mix-up allowing the Bulldogs to touch down under the posts, and convert to make it 6-4 to Wigan.

The Reds exploited Wigan under the high ball once again with Danny Jones collecting before touching down.

Ross Cahill got his sights right at the second time of asking and extended the Reds' lead to four points.

The game became a boxing match with each side landing punches before half time, but a last-gasp try for Little Hulton made it 16-14 to Wigan at the break.

Wigan emerged the sharper of the two teams in defence and, having benefited from numerous penalties, ran in four unanswered tries to take a 40-14 lead.

With things looking bleak, the Reds staged a courageous comeback attempt.

Scrum-half Alan Hargreaves, along with Lee Foster, led from the front to take the momentum away from Wigan.

Cahill successfully converted two Little Hulton tries, before adding a score of his own in comical fashion.

Cahill broke down the right wing and thought he’d wasted possession when a Bulldog hand reached out to intercept his offload.

But the ball bounced straight back into his grateful hands before he sprinted 60 metres to score under the posts to make it 40-32.

Still behind on the scoreboard, but in control of the game, the Reds set up a nervous finish when Jones crossed over for his second try of the day.

Cahill converted to make it 40-38, but there was not enough time left in the game for Little Hulton to complete a miraculous comeback.

Next up for Little Hulton is the visit of fifth-placed Fitton Hill, who defeated the Reds on the opening day of the season, 46-38.