OXFORD City Stars’ hopes of winning the BBO Cup were ended when they won only one of their two matches on the final weekend.

Stars went into the double-header against Bracknell Hornets and Milton Keynes Thunder, needing two wins with a plus-six total goal difference to land the trophy.

In the event, after a comeback 5-4 victory at home to Bracknell on Saturday, they went down 7-4 to Milton Keynes, who comfortably carried off the cup.

Stars sneaked the win in a crazy game against Hornets that came alive in the third period.

Bracknell took a 2-0 lead in the first period, but a goal from Josh Florey gave the hosts hope.

The second period belonged to the Stars, who levelled with a goal from Darren Elliott.

It was in the third period that the game finally came to life.

Two quick goals from brothers Jake and Josh Florey put Stars 4-2 ahead, only for Kamil Kinkor to pull one back almost immediately.

The Hornets then equalised through Hughes with eight minutes left, leading to a nervous and frantic finish.

Just as time appeared to be running out, and spurred on by the huge Oxpens crowd dressed in yellow, the Stars netted the winner through Alan Green with less than three minutes remaining.

Oxford went into to Sunday’s game at Milton Keynes, knowing they had to win by five clear goals to take the crown.

Despite taking an early lead through Andy Cox, Stars found themselves 2-1 down after ten minutes.

Mike Whillock’s goal levelled things up near the end of the first period, but after that it was Thunder, who kicked on.

A single goal in the second period plus three unanswered goals in the first half of the third opened up a 6-2 lead, ending Stars’ hopes.

A frantic final ten minutes produced three further goals – two by Stars recent signing Jaroslav Cesky and one for the hosts.

Stars pulled their netminder with two minutes left, but it was not enough to prevent home celebrations.