OXFORD City Stars are now in control of their title destiny following a 12-0 win away to Cardiff Fire.

This result, plus main rivals Bracknell Hornets’ shock 2-1 defeat by Peterborough, means that Stars are firm favourites to lift the English National League South Division 2 title with just two matches to play.

If they beat Solent Devils at home this Sunday and away on April 7, Oxford will become champions Head coach Kenny Redmond said: “We’re delighted the other results went in our favour and the season is now in our hands.

“The results have simply given us an opportunity and it is vital we remain humble and focused. There is still a lot of hockey to be played.

“It was a great team performance at Cardiff, and a really solid display from everybody.

“The goals came from all three lines and we kept a shut-out as well, so there were a lot of positives to take out of the win.

“We had a two-week break after our last game, so we had a week off to give the boys a break and those with niggling injuries a bit more time to heal.

“It helped us refresh and come back ready for the business end to the season. I couldn’t have asked for more from the team.

“Our goal was to go to Cardiff and win, which we did, but the way we performed was a big additional plus for us.

“A special thank-you goes to the fans who travelled all the way to Cardiff to cheer us on, they made such a difference.”

The game started tightly and a lone Matt Lawday goal was all the visitors had to show for their efforts in the first 20 minutes.

The second period went better for Stars, who took control and scored four unanswered goals between the 26th and 34th minutes from Dom Hopkins, Mike Whillock, Conor Redmond and Joe Edwards.

The final period was one-way traffic. with a further seven goals for the visitors.

Dax Hedges and Lawday scored within three minutes of the restart to make it 7-0.

Four minutes later it was 9-0, as Hopkins scored his second of the night and Will Harrison also got in on the act.

A further three goals in as many minutes completed the scoring.

Josh Oliver netted his first, Hopkins completed his hat-trick and Redmond added his second of the night.

It was an impressive all-round display from the leaders, with netminder Mark Duffy completing a rare shut-out.