OXFORD City Stars’ strong run continued as they claimed three points from a double-header against Milton Keynes Thunder and Solent Devils.

The biggest crowd of the season at Oxpens saw Stars storm to an 8-1 victory against Thunder.

And they came from behind twice to earn a 3-3 draw at Solent to stay fourth in English National League South Division 1.

The decision to delay the face-off so Oxford United fans could attend both matches paid off, with the attendance boosted above the 800-mark.

Any newcomers were richly rewarded with an entertaining contest which the home side dominated from the outset.

They were even a threat when short-handed, with Jaroslav Cesky opening the scoring while Jason Ikin served an early penalty.

Josh Oliver doubled the lead in the tenth minute with a penalty after he was knocked down in front of goal by Connor Goode.

Cesky added his second, with Jesse Lye again the provider, to make it 3-0 by the end of the first period.

It was more of the same from both sides in the second period, where Stars netminder Tom Annetts faced just three shots.

Joshua Oliver struck the home side’s fourth goal on a powerplay and Lye stretched the advantage further before the second interval.

Thunder’s sole consolation came in the 45th minute from Tom Mboya, but after a fight between Alan Green and the visitor’s Alan Ross, Stars hit the accelerator again.

Josh Florey and Mike Whillock got in on the act, before Cesky completed his hat-trick.

The handsome win saw the hosts presented with the John Cartwright Trophy, named in memory of an avid Stars supporter who was also a regular at Thunder games before his death in 2015.

Stars had a far tougher encounter 24 hours later.

Joe Edwards responded to Alex Trendall’s opener, but Devils finished the first period 2-1 ahead when Richard Facey broke away to score.

Alex Murray made it 3-1 in the second period, before Dominic Hopkins pulled a goal back within a minute.

The third period saw the Stars lay siege on the Devils net, with Lye and Cesky going close.

The pressure paid off in the 53rd minute, when Green picked up a pass from Cesky and rounded Cole to equalise.