Oxford City Stars suffered late heartbreak, slipping to a 4-3 home defeat against Wightlink Tigers.

What had been a tense English National League Division 2 South clash came to life in the final period, with each side scoring three goals.

But it was the visitors who had the last laugh, netting the winner with just a minute to go.

A couple of minor penalties was as exciting as it got in a goalless opening period.

Oxford duo Dax Hedges and Alan Green went close on their return to the side, but it was the visitors who took the lead when Andy Robinson fired home with the aid of a deflection.

But then the game came to life.

Jacob Smith levelled on a powerplay, but Wightlink wasted no time in regaining the lead through Lewis Tribble.

However, the hosts stepped up a gear, Josh Oliver levelling before Nick Oliver’s effort put them 3-2 ahead.

It looked as though their quickfire goals would help Stars record a morale-boosting victory.

But in a dramatic twist, Wightlink drew level through Dru Campbell just 12 seconds after falling behind.

And with just 64 seconds left on the clock, Tribble fired home what proved to be the winner.