Oxford City Stars slumped to the foot of South Division 1 after a disappointing 11-5 defeat at home to Solent Devils.

The result saw the teams swap places at the wrong end of the table, with the visitors recording their first success of the campaign.

It was a shocking start from the home side that set the tone for the match, as Solent raced into a 4-0 lead with just ten minutes on the clock.

Joe Edwards was twice penalised early on, and Devils took full advantage, scoring on each powerplay through Alex Murray and Andrew Campbell.

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The hosts were rocked, but worse was to follow when Mitchell Murray scored twice in two minutes.

Although Stars stopped the rot for the rest of the period, a fifth goal early in the second, from Joshua Abbott, left them with a mountain to climb.

Solent’s Christopher Beal picked up a penalty for high sticking, and Oxford made the extra man count, player-coach Darren Elliott setting up Josh Oliver, who scored an absolute peach.

But just when you thought Stars could get back in the game, the visitors scored again through Andrew Magee to restore their five-goal lead.

The home supporters had little to cheer, but were given hope towards the end of the period.

Mike Whillock cooly slotted home a penalty after he was hauled down in front of goal and Jamie Newton then netted to make it 6-3.

However, just when a comeback seemed on the cards, all momentum was lost when Andrew Goddard was awarded a goal, although the final touch came off an Oxford defender.

Stars started the final period well, James Pentecost making it 7-4.

But as had happened throughout the match, Solent replied with a Magee strike.

The teams continued to swap goals, with Joe Oliver’s strike for Oxford cancelled out by Murray’s hat-trick as Solent went into the closing stages 9-5 ahead.

Two late goals from Jamie Fitzpatrick and Murray sealed a conclusive victory for the visitors.

Stars have the chance to put things right this Saturday, when they travel to take on Wightlink Raiders.

The reverse fixture a fortnight ago saw Oxford secure their first win of the season with a 6-5 success.

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