Oxford City Stars' play-off hopes suffered a dent as they went down to a 2-1 defeat at home to South Division A high-fliers Peterborough Islanders.

It brought to an end their three-match winning streak.

Both sides went a man down after 79 seconds when Stars' captain Darren Elliott clashed with Ross Mackintosh, which saw them both sin-binned.

When the teams last met Elliott ended up in hospital after a late bodycheck from Mackintosh.

Oxford attacked from the off, but lacked a cutting edge.

Peterborough took the lead 19 seconds from half-time when Thomas Perkins fired home following an assist from Steve Maile and Clint Herring.

Stars levelled 30 seconds into the final period through Grant Bailey after his initial shot was saved.

It followed good work from Mark Krater, who charged up the ice before setting up Bailey.

Oxford kept going forward, but were unable to finish their chances.

Late on, Mackintosh slammed in the winner for Peterborough after an assist from Fraser Hendry.

Despite the loss, Stars coach Darryl Morvan was delighted with his side's display.

"It was a close game which it would be fair to say we controlled the majority of," said Morvan.

"Unfortunately, I think it was one of those nights where even though we created some excellent chances, a combination of the Peterborough netminder and the luck of the bounce, were working against us.

"I was extremely proud of the way the team played and that they kept the intensity going for 60 minutes. It was probably the closest contest seen at Oxford for a while."

The picture shows Stars players Mark Krater (left) and Grant Bailey involved ina heated exchange with a Peterborough player.