English National League

OXFORD City Stars head coach Ken Forshee was delighted with his team’s performance after they bounced back from an opening-day loss to snatch a draw against Chelmsford Chieftains in South Division 1.

Stars were beaten 5-3 at Slough, with their goals coming from Shannon Taylor, Dale White and Forshee.

But despite this disappointment, they battled hard for a 1-1 draw at Chelmsford 24 hours later.

Stars took the lead against the title favourites with a fine individual effort from captain Darren Elliott.

He beat two Chelmsford defenders before coolly slotting the puck home.

Chelmsford’s Jakub Lima levelled the scores, while Stars’ netminder Chris Douglas made a string of fine saves.

The hosts had almost total domination of possession in the second and third periods, but Stars defended resolutely to grab what could prove a crucial away point.

Forshee said: “We stuck to our game plan, and Chelmsford are probably the best skating team in the league.

“We frustrated them and it affected their game.

“It was a great team effort, and it was good to come back after the Slough defeat.”

Stars entertain Milton Keynes Thunder in their first home game of the new season on Sunday at Oxpens Road, with face off at 6.15pm.