Oxford City Stars are one win away from the English National League South Division 2 title following a superb 7-1 victory at second-placed Peterborough Islanders.

Now Oxford, who were taking their winning streak to 12 league games, will be crowned champions if they triumph at Basingstoke Buffalo on Sunday (6.30).

Islanders, knowing they had to win by at least three goals to get back into the title race, started strongly and Ricky Young made a series of fine saves, including getting a glove to a Jonathan Brammall strike.

Peterborough, backed by a crowd of 450, had the first powerplay when Dax Hedges was adjudged to have hooked an Islanders player, but they failed to make it count.

Peterborough’s Craig Lazenby was then penalised for tripping, but Stars were also unable to take advantage of the extra man, with Alan Green firing their best chance wide.

It was seven minutes into the second period before the deadlock was broken when Islanders’ Robert Ferrara appeared to control the puck with his hand, before passing to Luke Barber, who fired into the top corner.

Despite Oxford’s protests the goal was allowed to stand.

Peterborugh’s Connor Stokes was then penalised for slashing an Oxford player, and Stars struck on the powerplay when Darren Elliott and Joe Oliver combined to set up Jacob Smith to level.

Green then fired Stars ahead, before Hedges passed for Joe Edwards to shoot home from a tight angle.

Oxford were in full control, and they stretched further ahead through Josh Oliver’s long-range strike on a powerplay after Ross Mackintosh was penalised for slashing.

Stars kept up the pressure in the final period, with Elliott making it 5-1 after receiving the puck from Nick Oliver.

Oxford continued to be deadly on the powerplay and following a charge from Adam Cawkwell, Joe Oliver rifled home from distance.

Cawkwell then punched Elliott in the back, sending the Stars man crashing to the ice.

The Peterborough player had to be restrained by an official, and picked up a match penalty which will see him carry a one-game ban into next season.

It also presented Oxford with a five-minute powerplay, which saw Smith grab his second to seal the victory.