OXFORD City Stars battled to a 6-2 defeat against National League 1 South leaders Streatham at Oxpens.

The hosts welcomed back Max Florey, Dax Hedges and Matt Lawday, although Sam Shone was absent with injury.

Streatham posed a stern test having already qualified for the play-offs and they took the lead in the 15th minute through Brandon Miles.

But Stars were soon level, Mike Whillock on target from Josh Oliver’s pass.

It remained 1-1 until the same player restored Streatham’s lead midway through the second period, with the home side spurning several chances of their own.

Ivan Antonov’s effort put daylight between the sides and the league leaders showed their class as the game wore on.

Adam Carr made it 4-1 to Streatham, before Oliver gave Stars faint hope when he pulled a goal back eight minutes from the end.

But the away side crushed any hopes of a comeback within 80 seconds.

Ben Paynter restored the three-goal lead, before Miles completed his hat-trick two minutes from time.

Stars are seventh in the table ahead of their double-header this weekend.

On Saturday, Simon Anderson’s men visit Slough Jets, who sit fifth (5.45pm).

They host Raiders Junior in a crucial clash 24 hours later, with face-off at 6.15pm against a side level on points with Stars.