Oxford City Stars failed to build on an early lead as they went down to a 10-4 defeat at home to the Wightlink Raiders in the English National League.

Last time the sides met, Stars recorded a 6-5 win, but it was the hosts who had to play second fiddle in the South Division 1 clash.

Stars’ new signing Evan Mackintosh got them off to the perfect start with a goal on his debut, but that was as good as it got for the hosts as Wightlink took control.

Mackintosh netted after only 54 seconds. Darren Elliott and Joe Oliver combined to allow Mackintosh to lift the puck over Wightlink netminder Christian Cole from a tight angle.

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However, two quick goals saw Wightlink take the lead.

Czech import Jaroslav Cesky levelled, before Alex Barker made it 2-1.

Although James Pentecost levelled for Stars after a great finish from the right-hand circle, the visitors restored their lead soon afterwards.

And it got worse for Stars at the end of the first period as Wightlink scored three goals in 100 seconds through Barker, Craig Tribe and Steven Balmer to effectively end the game as a contest.

Wightlink kept up the pressure and extended their lead with two strikes in just 14 seconds from Richard Facey and Robert Streetly, before Ryan Webb made it 9-2.

Both sides changed their netminders at the start of the third period with new signing Connor Standing taking over from James Skaife for Stars, and Shannon Long coming on for Wightlink.

But it made little difference as Barker made it 10-2 to seal his treble.

Shellshocked Stars did not give up, with Oliver cutting deficit with a goal from the deep on the powerplay, before Elliott fired home their fourth goal seven minutes from time.

But the damage was already done.

On Sunday, Stars host basement boys London Raiders (6.15pm).

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