KENNY Redmond was frustrated to see Oxford City Stars blow a two-goal lead as they tasted defeat for the first time this season.

Josh Oliver put the hosts in charge with a double in the first 11 minutes, but Guildford Phoenix hit back to win 3-2.

It ended Stars’ six-game winning streak at the start of the National League South Division 2 campaign.

Defeat allowed Chelmsford Chieftains, who have played two extra matches, to open up a six-point lead on Stars ahead of their eagerly-awaited clash at Oxpens on November 4.

Head coach Kenny Redmond said: “We’re disappointed to have lost at home, especially after going two up.

“We didn’t move the puck quick enough, as a team, or test their netminder enough.

“It’s frustrating, but we won’t allow ourselves to get down, just as we don’t get carried away when we win.

“We will be looking for a reaction next weekend when we play the leaders at home and will work hard in training to ensure everyone is focused and prepared.”

The fixture looked to be going to form when Stars raced into the lead after only 26 seconds.

Lee Richardson and Conor Redmond combined for Oliver to fire past netminder James Hadfield.

Richardson was involved again ten minutes later for Oliver to double his tally.

Joe Edwards came close to adding a third in a quiet start to the second period, before Guildford clawed a goal back through Andrew Hemmings.

Joshua Abbott quickly levelled and the score remained 2-2 heading into a frantic finale.

Stars looked to have the upper hand when Montgomery Gailer was sin-binned for tripping less than two minutes from the end.

But instead Phoenix grabbed a short-handed goal from Abbott and even with Stars withdrawing netminder Mark Duffy for the final 30 seconds, they could not avoid defeat.