SIMON Anderson believes Oxford City Stars were unfortunate to return pointless from back-to-back fixtures.

The head coach thought his side deserved more from their 5-4 defeat at Solent Devils and 8-4 home reverse at the hands of Chelmsford Chieftains.

The results sees Stars remain seventh in the South Division 1 table.

But Anderson was buoyed by his side’s displays, if not the scorelines.

“I thought we put in two excellent performances,” he said.

“It was extremely disappointing that we have nothing to show for our efforts.

“This is how cruel hockey can be sometimes and we just have to keep working hard and I believe we will get our rewards.”

Stars led 3-1 at Solent, but their rivals hit back after a slow start to the final third.

“We changed our system and went to a more aggressive style and I thought it took Solent out of their comfort zone,” he said.

“I think we recovered very well after conceding an early goal.

"Our play fully deserved the 3-1 lead we had.

“Unfortunately a bad start in the third period really cost us.

“We have to learn to be more prepared and get going right off the bat. This is a tough league and you do get punished when you make mistakes.”

Goals from Mike Whillock, Olly Shone and Josh Florey had put Oxford in control.

But after Solent hit back to take the lead, Stars only had a Josh Oliver strike to further show for their efforts.

The following day was a very different encounter, with Chelmsford surging ahead and never looking like being pegged back.

Stars trailed 5-1 in the second period, with Whillock again on target.

But the visitors were relentless, and although Stars tried to find a way back with further goals from Darren Elliott, Joe Edwards and Oliver, they were eventually well beaten.

“I thought Chelmsford were the best team we have faced this season,” Anderson said.

“We played well again but they were very clinical and gave us a lesson in how to put a team away when you have them in that position.

“The system and work ethic from the guys was great again but every time we scored we seemed to let Chelmsford back in again.

“It’s something that we need to work out moving forward and we have to stop the silly mistakes and gifting teams goals.

“We have to make teams work.”

Stars travel to bottom side Milton Keynes Thunder on Sunday.