OXFORD City Stars moved top of the South 1 table after a 4-2 win over Wightlink Raiders.

Although they have played a game more than most of their rivals and it’s still very early stages of the season, it’s an encouraging start for Ken Forshee’s side.

Despite missing Jack Robinson and Joe Edwards, Stars made a good start and took the lead when Darren Elliott fired home in the 16th minute.

Stars quickly doubled their lead when a great shot from Grant Bailey fizzed past Matt Colclough.

Oxford continued to pile on the pressure at the start of the second period and were rewarded when Josh Oliver made it 3-0 after a smart build-up.

Stars’ netminder Robin Lindva was in fine form, but he was beaten for the first time on the half-hour mark when Canadian Jason Gorrie reduced the deficit.

With both sides falling foul of the referee on numerous occasions, Raiders took advantage of one such powerplay by making it 3-2 when Alex Murray fired home.

Having just got back up to their full amount of players, Stars committed another offence, giving the visitors a great chance to level.

But it was the hosts who scored the crucial sixth goal, Elliott slotting past Colclough after a long pass by Wayne Fiddes.

The previous evening, Oxford City Stars’ second-string beat a Cardiff Devils reserve side 5-3 in South Division 2.

Joe Boot (2), Nick Oliver, Jack Robinson and Sam Broughton were on target, with the visitors’ goals scored by Steve Newton, Ben Brown and Josh Elwyn Haslam.