Darren Elliott has hailed Oxford City Stars ice hockey team’s achievement in avoiding relegation from English National League South Division 1.

Oxford’s head coach, who also plays, believes securing their status in the top flight is better than their impressive back-to-back South Division 2 titles of the previous two seasons.

Stars’ survival was assured with relegation rivals Cardiff Devils – who needed to win – being held to a 3-3 draw at London Raiders on Saturday.

It sparked celebrations that Elliott compared to their league and cup triumphs.

“Staying in the league is definitely right up there with those achievements,” he said.

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“For me, it’s even bigger than winning back-to-back titles in the league below, because you’re up against some really strong teams.

“We’re a homegrown team and we’re going up against teams with much bigger budgets than us on a regular basis, so to stay up is just massive.”

Elliott admitted he found it unbearable to follow the action from London’s Lee Valley Ice Arena during Saturday’s decider, and that there were times when he thought his side were certain to be relegated.

“I was down in North Devon on holiday following it on Twitter, which was a horrible way to do it,” he said.

“I actually didn’t want to know what was happening, but I was with my brother and he was the one pushing me to follow the game.

“When Cardiff went 3-1 up it was a bit nerve-racking and at that stage I kind of thought it was the final nail in the coffin, but London turned it around and obviously we got the result we wanted.”

Bench coach Simon Anderson felt the backing Stars received from their supporters played a huge part in their survival.

“The fans have been a great help again this season,” he said.

And he added: “Now we know a bit more about what we’re facing next season and we have to use this experience to ensure that we do not get ourselves in this position again.

“We have to build a team that is capable of making the play-offs comfortably, and I don’t think we are a million miles away with the current roster.”