Oxford City Stars made hard work of defusing Birmingham Rockets before beating them 7-6 in the English National League, writes Colin Kirby.

Stars dominated the opening period, with Danny Turner setting up Darren Elliott to open the scoring.

Peter Nyman picked out Turner for Stars' second but Oxford failed to clear their defensive zone and paid the price with Robertson and Parker levelling with late strikes.

The second period was a nightmare for Stars as too often their shots were low and easily smothered by former Great Britain goalie David Graham.

Rockets pulled ahead through the influential Parker, and despite a Chris West equaliser, Parker and former Star Gareth Roddis built a lead before Paul Donohoe reduced the arrears.

The visitors ended the period on top with a further goal but Oxford finally lit the blue touch paper in the third period.

Elliott once again looked a class player as he netted on the rebound and West walked in a great levelling goal before Derek Flint secured the victory.

Elliott and Turner both shone, but man-of-the-match was Turner, who summed up the team's relief.