OXFORD City Stars put in a lacklustre performance to crash 4-3 at home to Streatham Redskins in South Division 1 of the English National League.

Oxford were missing defenders Andrew Shurmer and Wayne Fiddes, while playmaker Dax Hedges was also ruled out.

And after going 4-1 down against their high-flying visitors from south London, they were always up against it.

Neither side could get the upper hand in a goalless first period, although Alan Green struck a shot against a post and Mike Whillock saw his goalbound shot superbly saved by Streatham netminder Stefan Nubert.

Missed chances were a worrying omen, and one which Stars would come to regret.

Five minutes into the second period, Streatham took the lead when they launched the puck into the Oxford defensive zone.

Stars’ netminder Robin Lindva was unable to clear beyond Joe Johnston, who swiftly fired the puck into the open net.

Stars hit back to equalise four minutes later after same great work by Andy Cox and Darren Elliott found Green to slot home.

With their tails up and Streatham being a man short in the sin-bin, Oxford became a little too confident.

They gave the puck away to lone Redskins forward Michael Ranby, who broke clear to restore his side’s lead.

And two seconds before the end of the period, Slovakian Peter Molnar extended the lead to 3-1.

In the third period, the visitors extended their lead further as Liam Rasmussen picked up the puck on the break and lifted it over Lindva.

Oxford were not finished, and two goals in a minute brought them back into the game as Richard Wojciak and Darren Elliott reduced the arrears.

But try as they might, Stars could not find a way past the impressive Nubert as Streat-ham held on for victory.