HEAD coach Simon Anderson says he will take the positives from Oxford City Stars’ 8-1 home defeat against title favourites Streatham Redskins.

The hosts, who had key players missing through injury and suspension, were outclassed in the South Division 1 clash, but battled to the end.

However, they were ultimately given a lesson by the Redskins, who had a team containing many players who have played in the EPL.

The absence of suspended duo David Manning and Jake Williams, as well as injured trio Milan Ronai, Ruslan Cernych and Josh Oliver gave Stars a mountain to climb.

And although Anderson knows his side must learn lessons from the defeat, he remained upbeat.

“It obviously wasn’t the result we wanted,” he said.

“It was always going to be a tough match, but with five players missing for various reasons it was made even tougher.

“We need to get guys back quickly as playing short-benched is not something you can make a habit of and expect to win games in this league.”

He added: “We gave Streatham too much respect in the first ten minutes.

“I thought in the second period we were great.

“Going into the third 4-1 down we still had a chance.

“We had plenty of opportunities but could not finish them and as we got more tired Streatham’s quality put the game beyond us.

“There are a lot of positives to take from it though and plenty to work on and we look to turn things around on Saturday in Slough.”

Streatham who beat Slough Jets 8-2 the week before, stormed into a three-goal lead in the first period.

Michael Farn opened the scoring after three minutes and Jonathan Wallius doubled the lead soon after.

Adam Carr’s short-handed goal made it 3-0.

Stars came out fighting after the break, but the Londoners struck again within four minutes through James Warman.

Jake Florey pulled one back a minute later to give the home crowd something to cheer with a storming powerplay goal.

Stars kept attacking but hopes of another big comeback were not to be.

Carr completed his hat-trick in the third period, with Danny Ingoldsby and Brandon Miles making it 8-1.

Stars bid to get back to winning ways on Saturday with their first away match of the season as they travel to Slough Jets.