Oxford City Stars put up brave resistance before Milton Keynes Thunder’s third-period blast sent them reeling to a 4-1 defeat in South Division 1.

Stars, 2-1 home winners over Thunder a week earlier, led until the 45th minute when Josh Florey and Darren Elliott picked up penalties, and the hosts made the most of their two-man advantage to breach their defence.

Oxford went into the rematch shortbenched.

Suspensions ruled out Michal Tomasik and Jacob Smith, while Ryan Bainborough, Mason Wild and Mike Whillock were injured, and James Clarke and Jamie Newton were unavailable.

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But they got off to a great start in the seventh minute with Joe Edwards capitalising on a defensive error to fire them ahead.

Thunder racked up a huge 23 shots on goal, but all were kept out by James Skaife until the turning point in the third period.

Referee Richard Adams gave Stars two minor penalties following a single incident with Florey punished for holding, while Elliott was controversially adjudged to be interfering.

Thunder took advantage of Stars being two men light with Alex Whyte passing the puck back to Jamie Line, who shot from distance to beat Skaife for the equaliser.

Martyn Snape then gave Milton Keynes the lead with the 100th goal Stars have conceded in the league this term.

A defensive error 28 seconds later from Oxford left Harrison Goode unmarked in front of an empty net to make it 3-1.

And Thunder’s new import, Mathias Rugholm, capped his debut by scoring with three minutes left to seal Stars’ fate.

Stars face another tough encounter on Sunday when they entertain Streatham Redskins (6.15).

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