OXFORD City Stars’ title charge has received a welcome boost.

A 5-0 victory at Cardiff Fire saw Kenny Redmond’s side keep up the pressure at the top of the South Division 2 table.

And with leaders Chelmsford Chieftains suffering a shock defeat at lowly Invicta, Stars closed to within six points, but with four matches in hand.

Tom Davis, Michal Oravec, Lee Richardson, Joe Edwards and Conor Redmond were on target in a comfortable success in Wales.

And head coach Redmond was delighted with the application shown by his side.

“It was a solid performance and great to get a shut-out,” he said.

“We had five different scorers which was pleasing and shows the depth of quality in the squad.

“It was a tough game and we had to keep our composure to get two well-earned points.”

The victory, coupled with Chelmsford’s defeat, sees four teams within touching distance of top spot.

Redmond knows any slip could now be critical and urged his side to maintain their good run of form.

“Some of the top teams dropped points and Chelmsford have to play Solent twice in the run in, so the season is really hotting up now,” he said.

“We need to keep focused on our game and stay in the hunt.”

Three goals in the opening period set Oxford on their way to victory in Cardiff.

Davis grabbed the first goal in the tenth minute, assisted by Josh Florey and Redmond.

Two further strikes in the space of 33 seconds gave them a comfortable advantage.

Oravec scored on a powerplay after good work from Florey and Dom Hopkins.

And with the hosts still rocking, Richardson took advantage to make it 3-0, Alex Staples and Davis this time to thank for the goal.

Cardiff managed to keep Stars at bay, but any hopes of getting back into the game were killed off on the half-hour when Edwards scored a short-handed goal, Staples assisting.

Stars made it 5-0 just two minutes into the final period when Redmond found the net.

And although the visitors were unable to find the net again, they had already done enough to secure victory.