Oxford City Stars posted their fifth successive win in English National League South Division 2 with a 5-2 home victory over Swindon Wildcats to move back up to third in the table.

Stars, who were completing a double over the locals rivals following a 10-6 opening-day win, dominated the early exchanges, and Dax Hedges saw his close-range shot well saved by Swindon netminder Greame Bird.

A minute later, however, Wildcats’ Christopher Moore was penalised for tripping.

But before his penalty started, Oxford’s Nick Oliver opened the scoring after receiving a pass from Jacob Smith.

Darren Elliot went close to doubling Stars’ lead.

But they were 2-0 up within ten minutes after Joe Oliver picked out Sam Broughton and he rifled home the puck through a crowd of players.

Nathan Chilcott pulled a goal back for Swindon after battling to force a turnover.

But Elliott restored Oxford’s two-goal cushion after a wonderful passing move with Alan Green. Luke Merrick seemed determined to fight Hedges, earning himself a roughing penalty.

The game had more of a derby feel to it in the second period, and Oxford enjoyed another powerplay after Grant Richardson was penalised for boarding.

However, they were unable to make their man advantage count.

A flare-up saw Andy Cox and Merrick exchange blows in front of the Swindon bench, with the Oxford man being penalised for interference. Wildcats had a chance to reduce the defcit, but were unable to take it.

Green and Moore were then involved in another exchange, which saw the pair receive minor penalties for delaying the game after Swindon’s Daniel Pettitt was penalised for slashing.

But the only goal of the period came with three minutes left when Wildcats’ Lee Beardsmore’s shot made it 3-2.

Stars upped the pace for the third period, scoring twice in 34 seconds. Josh Oliver netted after receiving a superb pass from Warren Jones, and then Elliott set up Nick Oliver to score.

It was then left to Ricky Young to pull off a cracking save to deny Chilcott, and preserve Oxford’s three-goal lead.