A FOUR-goal burst in the opening period set Oxford City Stars up for a return to winning ways as they beat Bristol Pitbulls 5-2 in South Division 1.

After a disappointing defeat to Romford last weekend, the victory was just the tonic for the home side, and was largely down to a magnificent opening period.

Darren Elliott scored the first goal with less than two minutes on the clock.

His opener was followed by a quickfire brace from Alan Green, separated by a neat strike from Joe Edwards.

Bristol were unable to prevent Stars in this mood, while man-of-the-match Robin Lindva made a couple of excellent saves to ensure the visitors did not get on the scoreboard.

In stark contrast to the first period, Stars seemed to switch off in the second.

Jonathon Sherman reduced the arrears, then Swedish import Adam Klasa netted a second past an unsighted Lindva.

Stars were unable to mount a meaningful attack, although they did manage to prevent Bristol from closing the gap further.

The home side were far more effective in the final period as they secured victory.

Edwards netted their fifth goal after being set up by Nick Oliver.

Near the end, Bristol’s Klasa was sin-binned for protesting to an official, but Stars could not add any further goals.