OXFORD City Stars were on the receiving end of a backlash at the hands of Invicta Dynamos as the title-chasers claimed a 6-3 win at Oxpens.

Juraj Huska was a thorn in the hosts’ side, scoring twice and setting up three to claim the points as the English National League Division 1 South clash went to form.

Dynamos had been thumped 9-0 by championship rivals Chelmsford in their previous game – and Stars felt the consequences.

It took just 22 seconds for the visitors to make their mark, with Slovakian Huska slipping Nicky Lewis in to open the scoring.

Stars briefly steadied the ship, although they were on the back foot in the opening period, managing just seven shots on goal – half as many as Dynamos.

Conceding goals in batches has been an Achilles heel for Darren Elliot’s men and it came back to haunt them again.

A 1-0 deficit became 3-0 in the space of 15 seconds as Callum Fowler and Huska landed a double blow to take a grip on the game.

Stars did get on the board before the end of the frame.

Evan Mackintosh found the net from close range on 16 minutes after good work from Josh Florey.

Play in the second period proved more balanced in terms of chances, but Dynamos remained the more ruthless.

Anthony Leone picked up an early goal, before Huska bagged his second of the night on the 27th minute mark.

Oxford Mail:

  •  Evan Mackintosh pulls a goal back for Oxford City Stars to make it 3-1 from Josh Florey’s assist 

At 5-1 down, Stars urgently needed a lifeline and it came thanks to a defensive error midway through the period.

Florey was again the provider and this time James Pentecost profited to coolly beat the keeper.

Unfortunately for the home side, their momentum was halted by Andy Smith, who struck late in the period to make it 6-2 and all but secure the points.

Stars’ attempts to climb the mountain were not helped with Mackintosh getting thrown out of the game for a second misconduct penalty, although he will not face a ban for it.

Despite this, they did manage to have the final say, in the 52nd minute.

Zsolt Mastaleriu fired in from distance after a great pass from Sam Arnold set him up on the powerplay.

Stars were unable to make further inroads in the lead during the remaining minutes, as Dynamos completed a clean sweep from the teams’ four meetings this season.

Next up, Oxford visit Solent Devils on Sunday