OXFORD City Stars suffered two crushing defeats in consecutive days in English National Ice Hockey League South Division 1, conceding a total of 17 goals.

An 11-3 home defeat at the hands of league leaders Chelmsford Chieftains was followed by a 6-0 loss at fourthplaced Streatham Redskins – the first time Stars have failed to score in a game since 2011.

The defeats leave Stars two points above bottom side Cardiff Devils, but their relegation rivals have two games in hand.

Stars’ clash at Cardiff on March 21 now looks even more crucial in their bid to avoid the drop.

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Saturday’s match against Chelmsford was Stars’ last at Oxpens this season and they had a dream start.

After the visitors’ Lucas Zatopek was penalised for interference, Joe Oliver scored on the powerplay after just 35 seconds.

However, it took Chieftains just five seconds to equalise.

Danny Hammond beat netminder Connor Standing and the visitors wasted no time in grabbing the lead, with Martin Piecha netting 31 seconds later.

Chelmsford continued in that vein and as early as the ninth minute Stars had a lot of work to do as they found themselves 5-1 down.

Darren Brown grabbed a brace and Julian Smith struck as the leaders showed their cutting edge.

Chelmsford scored again, from Michael Ranby and Cameron Bartlett, to end the first period with a commanding 7-1 lead.

Zatopek added to his side’s tally in the 29th minute, before Mike Whillock pulled one back for Stars with his first goal since returning from injury.

Matthew Turner, Piecha and Bartlett scored for Chieftains to make it 11-2, before player-coach Darren Elliott grabbed a late consolation for Stars.

A day later, Oxford found themselves short-benched against Streatham as they were down to just 12 outskaters for the trip to south London.

Ultimately, that advantage took its toll as the home side scored six unanswered goals.

Jakub Klima was Stars’ main tormentor, grabbing four goals, with Dominic Hopkins and Robbie Brown also scoring for Streatham, who have now won all four encounters with Oxford this season.

Stars are next in action against Bracknell Hornets, a side they have beaten twice this season, on Saturday.

Hornets are fifth, but have not played since their 7-4 loss to Stars on February 28.