Oxford City Stars have found their recent trips to reigning champions Invicta Dynamos tough going, and it proved the case again with a 6-2 defeat in South Division 1.

But Stars, who included new import Damian Matla, can take positives from the performance by playing well.

Stars, who didn’t ice Andy Cox, were dealt an early blow when forward Alan Green competed for the puck with Invicta defenceman Tim Smith, who fell awkwardly into the end-boards and left the ice with what looked to be a painful leg injury.

The referee, who adjudged the challenge to warrant a penalty, was then forced to eject Green from the game, due to the injury to Smith.

He also awarded a five-minute major penalty against Oxford.

Stars successfully defended their goal for almost three minutes, but were unable to prevent England international Liam Chong putting the home side in front.

Invicta then doubled their lead through Andy Smith, before the powerplay was over.

Gareth Endicott smashed the puck past Andy Moffat to pull a goal back as the first period ended 2-1.

The only goal of the second period was also scored on the powerplay, with Michael Timms slotting the puck past Jamie Thompson to restore Invicta’s two-goal cushion.

Oxford had a number of good attempts on goal thwarted by the in-form Moffat.

Further goals from Corey Watkins and Smith’s second saw Dynamos storm into a 5-1 lead with just under five minutes of the game to go.

Oxford’s man-of-the-match Mike Whillock, who seems to have been buoyed by selection to the Great Britain Under 18s’ world championship team, tested the home defence on a number of occasions.

Stars’ persistence was rewarded when player-coach Ken Forshee slid the puck under Moffat.

Oxford were then caught on the break, and Dan Fudger and raced clear to score.

l Oxford City Stars 2nd ran out 5-4 winners at home to Invicta Mustangs in South Division 2.

Jacob Smith and Sam Broughton scored a brace apiece, with Colin Mortimer’s tally completing it for Stars, who stand in fifth spot.