MARKUS Lehmann's Oxford City Stars debut ended in disgrace as he received a match penalty for making obscene gestures to Cardiff Devils' bench at the end of the 11-3 defeat at the Wales National Ice Arena.

Lehmann was also penalised for roughing as the English National League Cup tie ended on a sour note.

The Oxford man retaliated after a nasty check from behind on Andy Cox which saw Cardiff's Lee Carson ejected with a match penalty.

Stars had not played well and Cardiff were deserved winners, but one bright spot for Oxford was a fine debut from Ben Lehmann.

A delay at Cardiff meant the game faced off nearly half-an-hour later than scheduled.

And when it did get under way, it started in unfortunate fashion with Cox being hit hard into the boards by Cardiff's Phil Manny.

The game was held up while Cox received treatment, although he was winded rather than seriously injured.

Manny took no further part in the game after receiving a match penalty for boarding.

With both teams taking a physical approach, there were plenty of hits throughout the first period.

The defensive pairing of Dan Prachar and Danny Sturgeon were working well to keep the Stars' zone clear.

Oxford were putting some pressure on Cardiff and were rewarded with the first goal through an unassisted Cox effort.

Cardiff equalised within 30 seconds through an unassisted Gil Lamarche strike.

Starsconceded two goals in the 11th minute, both scored by Mike Newbury, to end the first period 3-1 down.

The second period started badly for Oxford as Wes Spencer increased Cardiff's lead while the home side had a powerplay after Alan Green received a two-minute penalty for interference.

Oxford changed netminders a minute into the second period with Jamie Thompson replacing Andy Webster.

Tempers began to flare and while Darren Green was sitting out a penalty for high sticks, Dan Bowers scored Cardiff's fifth goal.

Bowers struck again and Jamie Dancey put Cardiff 7-1 ahead, before Stars defenceman Luke Plasted pulled one back before the end of the second period.

The final period was another tense affair with both sides hitting hard.

The officials were struggling with headshots from Cardiff players going unpunished, and the linesmen failed to do their job when fights broke out.

Alex Symonds netted for Cardiff midway through the period, before Alan Green replied after excellent team work from Darren Elliott and Sturgeon.

Further goals for Cardiff came from Nicky Lewis, Bowers and Dan Blakemore.