OXFORD City Stars secured a tense 5-4 victory at Solent Devils to boost their battle against the drop in South Division 1.

Two goals apiece from Nick Oliver and Josh Florey, and a strike from Josh Oliver, secured a vital win in the English National League clash.

Stars went into the game with a dreadful record against their rivals – going down to three defeats this season with a 27-11 aggregate scoreline.

But the visitors started well and scored within two minutes.

Solent import Andrew McGee was penalised for hooking just 71 seconds into the game, and Josh Florey wasted no time in take full advantage.

The Stars player found the net just seven seconds into the man advantage after being set up by import Evan Mackintosh and Joe Oliver.

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However, when Oxford duo Joe Edwards and Mackintosh were punished, the hosts also took advantage, with a goal from McGee.

Both teams started strongly in the second period, but it was Stars who retook the lead through Josh Oliver after a great pass from Joe Oliver.

Solent levelled when Mitchell Murray scored, but neither side could find another breakthrough.

Oxford got off to a dream start in the vital third period when Josh Florey scored his second of the game, once again being set up by Mackintosh.

A minute later, Solent’s Stephen Gosset got penalised for high-sticking to give Stars a powerplay.

And they again managed to repeat their feat of getting a goal soon after having a man advantage, Nick Oliver scoring after 13 seconds, assisted by Darren Elliott and Joe Oliver.

But it took the hosts just a minute to make it 4-3 courtesy of George Norcliffe.

And then 90 seconds later, import Drew Campbell scored to make it 4-4.

Stars gradually built up momentum and Nick Oliver scored a fantastic goal after being set up by brother Joe.

And Stars held on to pick up a first win in Solent since November 2006.

They now look to build on their success this Saturday, when the Bracknell Hornets come to town.