LEE Buckley blamed complacency for Little Lever's shock home defeat to North Walkden on Saturday.

In the only game involving local sides to survive the weather, the Premier Division title hopefuls took the lead before crashing 4-3 against their relegation-threatened rivals who arrived at Heaton Avenue with just one win from their opening nine games.

"We failed to switch on from the start," said the Little Lever boss.

"I think some of the players had looked at North Walkden's form and league position and thought it would be a stroll, but it wasn't."

Matt Woods scored directly from a corner to set Little Lever on their way and the home side had further chances to increase their lead.

But a defensive mix up allowed North Walkden to grab the equaliser and despite dominating, the hosts found themselves 2-1 down at the break.

Little Lever made three substitutions at half time with Ben Wells' appearance off the bench proving pivotal when he scored a second half brace.

But despite dominating play again a lack of concentration at the back saw the leaders take a 3-1 lead.

Wells reduced the deficit with his first goal but a deflected shot made it 4-2 to the visitors before Wells scored his second.

"The scoreline would suggest an end-to-end game but to be honest it was all one way," said Buckley.

"We had all the play and dominated the game.

"We could have been 3-0 up in the opening 15 minutes so the result is extremely disappointing.

"We felt we needed some changes at half time because we just weren't taking our chances and Ben instantly made a difference.

"I truly believed we would go on to win it but it just wasn't to be.

"We hit the post, we hit the bar and we hit the upright.

"There was goalmouth scramble and goalmouth scramble but we just couldn't finish."

Third-placed Little Lever have now conceded nine goals in two games, a statistic which does not impress the boss.

"There were far too many defensive errors," said Buckley.

"And that's unacceptable for a team that's going for the league title.

Little Lever now look forward to a local derby at Horwich St Mary's Victoria when the league campaign resumes on January 2, with Buckley hoping his side can rediscover this year's early form.

"We've got the festive break now so we'll be looking to regroup and start the new year like we did this year when we went on an amazing run. Hopefully we can put things right," he said.

"Old Bolts don't lose many games but let's hope they get a few draws which will tighten things up a bit.

"It would be nice to be involved come the end of the season and still be in with a shout of winning the title so we will just carry on."

Table-toppers Old Boltonians were unable to extend their lead at the top of the table after their match against Howe Bridge Mills was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch and Horwich St Mary's Victoria's home game with promotion-chasing Failsworth Dynamos was also called off.