Oxford City Stars' title aspirations in English National League Division 1 South were dealt a double blow with defeats by Bracknell Hornets and Cardiff Devils.

Stars went into the weekend level on points with leaders Bracknell, but slid to a 4-1 loss at their high-flying rivals on Saturday.

Hoping to bounce back on Sunday, Oxford suffered a further reverse when they lost their first home match of the season 5-3 to Cardiff.

Young Joe Edwards gave Oxford the lead against Bracknell, although the official scoresheet awarded the strike to Will Skaife.

But the warning signs were there for Oxford early in the second period as they were unable to put any pressure on Bracknell during a four-minute powerplay.

And frustration set in as four key Stars players were in the box at the same time.

Hornets utilised their big rink well and a barrage of pressure on the powerplay led to their first goal off a deflection.

Stars then found themselves with another four-minute powerplay, but again were unable to make it count, Richie Hargreaves having the best chance with a shot that went just wide.

Hargreaves then got involved in a fight with Matthew Ovenden after the Bracknell man took exception to a great hit by Andy Cox.

The Oxford man got the better of the exchanges, but then Hornets effectively sealed the game with two goals in quick succession.

Oxford were unable to change their game plan and a fourth goal sealed their fate.

Stars had a swift opport- unity to return to winning ways against Cardiff, but were unable to take it.

Stars made the brighter start, but couldn't convert their pressure into goals and once again came unstuck with penalties costing them dearly.

Devils scored on the powerplay with a neat back door play, which gave Will Skaife no chance.

Midway through the period, an ugly shot from Devils defenceman Dixon hit Stars assistant captain Lee Featherstone square in the helmet and split his head open.

However, he was quickly bandaged up and returned as the first period ended with Devils leading 1-0.

A howler of a pass from Nick Eden allowed Cardiff to double their lead in the second period.

Featherstone pulled one back, and Stars piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser.

But Cardiff restored their two-goal cushion when Skaife, who was well out of his net, saw his pass picked off by an onrushing Devil, which led to Cardiff's third.

Stars reduced the deficit when Joe Edwards fed Alan Armour to slot home.

But they were made to pay for another mistake when Devils captain James made it 4-2.

Cardiff added a fifth goal, before Grant Bailey fired in a shot for Stars' third, but there was no way back.