JOSH Oliver hammered a superb hat-trick as Oxford City Stars defeated Milton Keynes Thunder 6-3 to stay in contention at the top of South Division 1 of the English National League.

Stars’ victory was down to a rampant first period, during which they scored four goals without reply.

The opener came in the sixth minute when Andy Cox fired home, and this was followed soon after by a superb strike from Gareth Endicott.

Oliver chipped in with a double before the end of the period.

Such was their dominance, Oxford’s defence hardly called upon.

Stars extended their lead when Joe Edwards showed some fine puck control before slotting past Milton Keynes netminder Jake Scriven.

Thunder hit back on a powerplay after Darren Elliott was penalised for roughing, Ross reducing the arrears.

Oxford ran into further penalty problems at the start of the final period, but instead of turning their manpower advantage into goals, Thunder conceded a sixth goal as Oliver completed his splendid hat-trick.

Martyn Snape bagged a second goal for Thunder while Edwards was in the sin bin, and then Connor Goode further reduced the arrears, although it appeared he had kicked the puck into the net, rather than striking home.

  • OXFORD’S second string beat South London 7-5 in a thrilling South Division 2 – a day earlier.

Jacob Smith led the way with a treble. Jack Robinson (2), Joe Oliver and Joe Boot also on target.