LEE Richardson saluted the fast start made by Oxford City Stars as they stayed in the title hunt with victory over Invicta Mustangs.

The 6-2 win sees them third in South Division 2, after a dramatic weekend.

While Stars’ success was relatively routine, results elsewhere meant it was a good weekend for the club.

Second-placed Solent Devils played a double-header against Chelmsford Chieftains, who are fourth, with each club winning one match.

Leaders Slough Jets triumphed, but with Stars travelling to the table-toppers this weekend, the race for top spot will step up a notch.

And acting head coach Richardson was delighted with his side’s performance.

“It was a good two points,” he said. “We controlled the game well.

“We came out the blocks better than we have recently and got in front and led the game throughout.

“I’m pleased with the result and performance.

“The fans were fantastic again and it was great to see so many on the road.”

Stars took the lead when Josh Oliver slotted home in the fifth minute after good work from Matt Lawday and Michal Oravec.

Just two minutes later it was 2-0, Lawday making the most of a powerplay to score.

They had to wait until the start of the second period, however, to extend their advantage.

Oliver was again on target, with Lawday assisting once more.

Two further goals in the space of two minutes saw the points all but secured.

Tom Davis, set up by Richardson, made it 4-0.

And Oravec then hit No 5, Conor Redmond and Oliver assisting.

Stars were given a scare when Invicta reduced the deficit with goals from Joseph Bliss at the end of the second period and Regan O’Neil midway through the third.

But any fears were allayed when Richardson made it 5-2 with five minutes to go.