Oxford City Stars’ four-match unbeaten run in English National League South Division 1 came to an end with a 7-2 home defeat by leaders Chelmsford Chieftans.

With netminder Chris Douglas out injured, 17-year-old Patrick Russell came in for his full senior debut – and despite the scoreline, acquitted himself well.

Oxford were also without Gareth Endicott and Wayne Fiddes, but iced new signing Cameron Birrell, a South African, which freed up Ken Forshee to return to a coaching role.

With Chelmsford’s Michael Randy and Stars captain Darren Elliott serving penatlies, Chieftains opened the scoring through Danny Hammond.

Chelmsford doubled their lead a minute later when Hammond’s first-time shot finished off a wonderful passing move.

Former Oxford man Alan Green made a visit to the penalty box after a trip early in the second period, but Stars were unable to capitalise.

And Chieftains increased their lead shortly after the penalty ended with Tom Long getting on the scoresheet, before Ross Brears made it 4-0.

Oxford hit back when Josh Florey netted his first league goal since returning to the club with a tap-in at the back post after a killer pass from Shannon Taylor.

However, Hammond completed his hat-trick with 24 seconds left in the period to put Chieftains 5-1 ahead.

A lively start to the third period saw Oxford concede again, with Gary Clarke netting.

Stars were then hit by a spate of penalties. Lee Featherstone was given a bizarre misconduct penalty when he was lining up for a face-off, before Oxford’s bench were penalised for abuse of an official.

Clarke and Richard Wojciak also picked up penalties after a minor scuffle, and Andy Cox was back in the box for slashing.

Hammond’s fourth goal made it 7-1, before Birrell pulled one back by shooting into the top left corner.