Oxford City Stars’ joy at winning 2-1 at Wight-link Raiders in Division 1 South proved short-lived as they were then beaten 3-1 at home by the Islanders.

Stars were without Dean Francis, Yousif Abu Saada and Nick Oliver for the trip to Ryde on the Isle of Wight.

But they were quickly into their stride, and broke the deadlock in the third minute when ex-Raider Alan Green fired past Toby Cooley in the Wightlink net.

It stayed that way until early in the second period when Danny Hughes slid the puck past James Skaife for the equaliser.

Numerous chances were made at both ends, with Skaife making some fine stops.

Confusion reigned as Oxford regained the lead on the powerplay.

Andrew Shurmer’s shot from the point flew over Cooley’s right shoulder into the top corner of the net, and straight through a hole before rattling round the boards.

After consultation, the officials correctly awarded a goal.

The two netminders were in great form to prevent any more scoring, and Stars saw time out to achieve a fine victory with Green claiming the man-of-the-match award.

Francis returned to Stars’ ranks for the return fixture at Oxford Ice Rink.

Once again there was little between the two sides, and it wasn’t until midway through the second period that the Raiders ended the stalemate when James Udell squeezed the puck past Skaife off an Oxford defensive stick.

Grant Bailey equalised for Stars after some decent work behind the goal, and the period ended with Raiders’ American import, John Sarno, being ejected for making an obscene gesture.

However, Stars were unable to take advantage of the powerplay, and it was the visitors who regained the lead when Alex Murray netted in the third period.

Murray struck again to give Raiders breathing space, and although Oxford kept battling it was all in vain.