Oxford City Stars showed resolute defence as they tied 2-2 with Wightlink Raiders in edge-of-the-seat thriller.

The previous week, Raiders had won 7-2 in their English National League South Division 1 clash, but they found Stars a much tougher proposition at Oxpens.

Stars took a 2-0 lead, but the visitors hit back to share the spoils.

Ben Ealey-Newman put Stars ahead, following up to score after Steve Osman’s shot had been brilliantly saved by Wightlink’s netminder Matty Colclough.

Joe Edwards made it 2-0, dancing around Colclough to score after good work by Nick Oliver.

This woke up Wightlink, who pulled a goal back through Craig Tribe during a first-period powerplay.

The visitors piled on the pressure early in the second half, but found Oxford minder Connor Ranby in brilliant form.

He was finally beaten by a stunning show by Matthew Lawday, who levelled the scores.

So there was all to play for in the final period.

Despite having a two-man advantage in the closing stages, with Osman and Andy Cox serving penalties, Wightlink could find no way past the determined Stars backline.

Stars took a quick time-out to organise their defence.

Whatever coach Simon Anderson said, clearly worked as Oxford proceeded to give a master-class in how to defend in the circumstances.

Shane Moore, Joe Oliver and Josh Florey were seemed to be everywhere in the Stars zone Even worse for the Raiders, their star import, Jaroslav Cesky, lost his temper just after the final whistle and earned himself a match penalty – and the resulting suspension – for cross-checking.