Oxford City Stars started their run towards the English National League Division 1 South play-offs with an 8-4 win over Haringey Greyhounds in North London.

Having already clinched third place and a play-off spot, Stars opted to give some well-deserved ice time to back up netminder Kevin McGurk, who did not let anyone down, making some good saves.

Haringey opened the scoring against the run of play after a scramble led to a rebound and a deflected shot going in.

Oxford were level within within two minutes when the returning Andy Cox picked up a pass from Andrew Shurmer before firing home a superb shot. Stars then opened up a two-goal lead with Joe Edwards, assisted by young Adam Harris, netting before player-coach Richie Hargreaves scored on the powerplay, assisted again by Shurmer and Dean Francis.

Haringey reduced the deficit – also on the powerplay – as Stars ran into penalty trouble late in the period. With Alan Armour and Jamies Skaife sitting out penalties at the start of the second period, Haringey made it 3-3. However, a fine passing move then saw Grant Bailey race behind the net before passing to Hargreaves, who picked out Armour to steer the puck home. Bailey and Hargreaves were also on target in this period as Haringey produced just one more reply to leave Stars 6-4 ahead.

In the third period, Stars clinched victory with Shurmer firing into the top corner on the powerplay, before Nick Eden completed the scoring by jabbing the goalward puck home off the line.

Bailey completed the game with his best points haul for a long time with one goal and three assists.

Stars now face Invicta and Milton Keynes at home before the crucial play-off games against second-placed Bracknell Hornets.