Josh Oliver hit a spark-ling hat-trick in Oxford City Stars’ 5-0 demolition of Chelmsford Warriors in English National League Division 2 South at Oxford Ice Rink.

Alan Green completed the scoring with a brace in what was Stars’ strongest performance of the season.

Oxford dominated possession in the first period with Joe Edwards and Michael Raff going close at the back post before they opened the scoring.

Raff got the puck out to Green on the blue line and he buried a shot from 20 yards.

Oliver then struck twice, firstly from a tight angle on the right-hand side of the crease and then he burst through and shot home from point-blank range.

Warriors came out strongly at the start of the second period, but their defensive frailties were exposed when Green tapped in a rebound after Darren Elliott’s bullet shot was well saved.

Stars continued to push forward, but both sides incurred the wrath of the referee with four players receiving minor penalties – three from Oxford.

But despite this, Stars denied Chelmsford few scoring opportunities over more than five minutes on the powerplay.

Warriors’ only real chance of the period came when Matt France earned a turnover and went on to hit the right post.

But, otherwise, Ricky Young’s goal was rarely threatened in the first 40 minutes, and they made it 5-0 when Oliver flicked the puck into the top corner.

James Clarke was penalised in bizarre circumstances in the third period.

But Stars again kept Chelmsford at bay, although Gary Brown should have pulled one back at the death when he beat Young, only to send his shot wide.

The win moves Oxford up to seventh place as they take a break over Christmas before entertaining Division 1 side Romford Raiders in a South Cup Group 2 clash on Saturday, January 5.