Captain Darren Elliott scored twice as Oxford City Stars opened their new season with a 4-1 home victory over Haringey Greyhounds in Division 1 South.

It was the first meeting between the sides since the North London club celebrated winning the play-offs two season ago with a convincing victory.

Stars, who paraded all their new signings, were determined to avenge that defeat.

And in front of a large crowd, they took the lead after three minutes with a goal on the powerplay.

Nick Oliver released Joe Edwards, who skated round the back of the net before cutting inside and smashing the puck into the Haringey goal.

Four minutes later, Oxford scored again with Edwards turning provider for Elliott to fire home.

But then instead of pressing home their advantage, Oxford picked up a number of unnecessary minor penalties.

Haringey pulled a goal back after 14 minutes when a fortunate bounce off the backboards fell nicely into Callum Mathison's path to slot home.

But the Greyhounds joy was shortlived as a Stars breakaway ended with Oliver finishing well.

Haringey carved out a number of chances towards the end of the period with their new Canadian import, Blair Dubyk, being denied by James Skaife in the Oxford goal.

Stars were handicapped by picking up more minor penalties in the second period, which meant they spent a large amount of time short- handed.

However, they did add a fourth goal when Elliott scored his second following an assist by new signing Alan Armour.

Stars defenceman Andrew Shurmer almost increased Stars' tally in a rare forward foray, before declining a fight with Haringey's Ben Smith.

The third period developed into a stalemate with no further addition to the scoring.

Oxford coach Darryl Morvan said: "It's nice to start the season with a win, especially as some of the players are still getting used to our systems and playing together."