OXFORD City Stars will have to do without the injured duo of skipper Darren Elliott and Andy Cox when they face a ENIHL South Cup double-header this weekend.

Elliott, who is their top-scorer in the cup with nine goals and three assists, will miss tonight's trip to Peterborough Islanders (6pm) and tomorrow's match at to Telford, as will Cox.

Joe Edwards is again called up from the under 18s, and they may be given his debut at Telford.

Last season, Stars caused Peterborough a lot of problems, depriving the Cambridgeshire outfit the final play-off place. And Oxford will be looking to end their unbeaten cup run.

On Sunday, Oxford are set to start with their second netminder Kevin McGurk, with Dave Tyler backing him up.

Stars coach Darryl Morvan is expecting a difficult weekend.

"It's another two tough games for us in the cup this weekend, with Peterborough having just won our section of the league, and with Telford having recently given Swindon a very close game," said Morvan.

"We are the only team who can theoretically take the top spot from Peterborough in the cup, and this we have to do in a commanding fashion to edge the decision on goal difference.

"Our task is not made easier by the fact we will be missing Darren and Andy, who picked up slight knocks last Sunday, and are being rested as a precaution.

"The players know to make a play-off spot or win our section of the cup they will have to be on top of their game for the remainder of the season, but they have responded well in training.

"This weekend will test both their physical and mental resilience immensely, but they are a focused bunch of athletes with a great team spirit, so I've got no doubt they will acquit themselves well".