OXFORD City Stars bounced back to winning ways with an 8-3 victory at bottom club Romford Spitfires in the English National League South Division.

Stars were boosted by the return of captain Darren Elliott from a two-match ban he picked up against Spitfires.

With both coaches unavailable, netminder James Skaife, who is still struggling with a should injury sustained against Milton Keynes, stood in as bench coach.

Paul Donohoe pulled out of the team, so Stars called up Tom Hopper, Sam Broughton and Sam Keyte.

Stars started in nervous fashion following their 12-2 thrashing by leaders Streatham Redskins the previous week.

And it wasn't until the 15th minute that the breakthrough came when Broughton scored after assists from Hopper and Marlon Williams.

Eight seconds later, Oxford went further ahead through Dean Francis, with Elliott, back from a two-match ban, and Nick Oliver providing the assists.

With Kevin McGurk making some great saves, Stars ended the first period 2-0 ahead.

Oxford eased off at the start of the second peiord, and Romford pulled a goal back through Evander Grinnell, assisted by Tom Looker and Rob Carter.

Elliott restored Oxford's two-goal cushion following good work by Francis and Andrew Cox.

Within 70 seconds, Elliott scored again with assists from Ben Moody and Francis.

But Romford hit back once more with Carter and Grinnell bursting through the defence to make it 3-2.

Cox was then sent to the sin-bin for interference, but despite being reduced to four outfield players, Oxford made it 5-2 through Alan Green, who was set up by Elliott.

Green netted another - with assists from Jacob Smith and Dave Carr - but Romford scored within 40 seconds through a combination of Matt France and Evander Grinnell as the period ended 6-3.

Oxford controlled the final period, with Cox increasing their lead after being set up by Elliott and Carr.

Stars' Patrick Knightley shot then went in off Hopper, the referee awarding the latter an assisted goal.