LITTLE Hulton Reds slipped to a second successive league defeat when they went down 40-6 at Eccleston Lions on Saturday.

After kicking off their North West Men's League Division three campaign a week early with a 46-38 loss at Fitton Hill Bulldogs, the Reds faced another tough trip to an Eccleston side who had dropped a division to the fourth tier.

And the home side were quickest out of the blocks, scoring three tries in the first 15 minutes – two of which were converted – after capitalising on mistakes by Little Hulton.

It remained honours even after that until half time with the 16-0 lead somewhat flattering to the hosts.

Injuries hampered the visitors after the break and they conceded two more converted tries as Eccleston increased their lead to 28-0.

But the Reds kept battling and got points on the board when good work from Mike Jones on the left and Mark Howard saw the ball worked to Davy Jones who showed the home winger a clean pair of heels before side-stepping the Lions full-back to score under the posts.

The try was converted by Kyle Griffiths to reduce the arrears to 28-6.

But the any hopes of a comeback were short-lived as Eccleston ran in two more converted tries to seal victory on a day when there was not much between the sides but the hosts took their chances and the Reds squandered too many.

Little Hulton host Wigan Bulldogs on Saturday at Peel Park in the first home game of the campaign, kick off 2.30pm.