HEAD coach Kenny Redmond could not hide his delight after seeing Oxford City Stars go top of the table.

Stars overcame leaders Peterborough Phantoms 7-3 on their own rink to take over the leadership of South Division 2 in the English National League.

Josh Oliver scored twice as Stars recorded their seventh win in eight games to move two points clear.

Redmond said: “The most important thing was coming to Peterborough and doing the job and we’ve done that.

“I’m delighted not just with the win, but with the way played. It was a very good performance.

“It was a very competitive game and we kept our focus to get over the line. It was an important win and now we have to keep going.”

The top-of-the table clash had everything – penalties, a few scraps and plenty of goals.

Stars took the lead after three minutes through from Kamil Kinkor, with an assist from Jake Florey.

Following this was a spot of four-on-four hockey as Josh Florey received a two-minute penalty for high-sticking. Sitting with him in the box was Peterborough’s Barlow for roughing.

It was not until both teams returned to full-strength that the scoring resumed, with Matt Lawday making it 2-0 thanks to an assist from Darren Elliott.

The second period was full of drama.

It opened with a super save by Peterborough minder Daniel Lane from Elliott’s close-range shot.

Stars doubled their tally within 30 seconds, Mike Whillock and Oliver respectively netting.

The assist on the third goal came from Josh Florey and there was a double assist on the fourth from Conor Redmond and Stewart Tait.

Phantoms pulled a goal back from James Pentecost.

The alternation continued, with Stars scoring their fifth and sixth goals from Dax Hedges and contender for ‘goal of the season’ from Elliott.

Peterborough replied each time on the powerplay through Bradley Moore and Kenneth Bavin.

Just before the end of the period there was a big scrap. Gloves, sticks and helmets were scattered across the ice as a couple of players went toe-to-toe.

Two penalties were awarded to each sides as a result of the pushing, shoving and fist-throwing.

The final period was quiet by comparison with Oliver adding his second, assisted by Conor Redmond and Tait to complete the scoring

Oxford’s Andrew Shurmer was given a ten-minute personal misconduct penalty.

But nothing could stop Stars from looking down on the rest of the league from their pole position.