SIMON Anderson expects Oxford City Stars to face a testing season in NIHL Division 1 South.

The fixtures for the 2019/20 campaign have been announced, with the side beginning their bid with back-to-back home games.

Stars open their season against Bracknell Hornets on September 15, before Streatham visit Oxpens seven days later.

Anderson’s side face a tough November and December with four successive away games at Milton Keynes Thunder

(Nov 17), Chelmsford Chieftains (Nov 24), Invicta Dynamos (Dec 1) and Raiders 2nd (Dec 7).

However, that is followed by three home games against Cardiff Fire (Dec 8), Invicta (Dec 15) and Solent Devils (Dec 21).

Stars finish their campaign with a double-header against Solent over March 28-29.

Head coach Anderson said: “It is a very different and more time-consuming schedule than the guys would have been used to in the past.

“This will be a big test of not only our ability, but commitment and fitness levels too.

“We face a very tough start with two of the teams that in my eyes should be towards the top of the standings.

“There is a lot of hard work ahead in what will be a tough league, but I believe this group of players can achieve anything.”