SIMON Anderson is aiming high after Oxford City Stars began 2020 with a dramatic win over Milton Keynes Thunder.

Matt Lawday scored the winner in overtime after the match ended 2-2, with Joe Edwards and Olly Shone also on target.

Head coach Anderson said: “We’re delighted to start 2020 with a win.

“It was a real tough game, which was expected due to us being off ice for two weeks.

“Credit to MK, who played very well, and it was a relief once Matt Lawday scored the winner.”

The match was a tight affair and Stars edged the first period thanks to an Edwards power play goal, before Thunder equalised against the run of play.

Shone edged the visitors in front with a goal in the third period, but the home side grabbed a late goal to send the contest into overtime.

Within minutes of the restart Lawday found an opening and scored, securing an away double for Stars over Thunder.

Anderson felt there was room for improvement in the display and hopes to add to his squad this month.

He said: “There were a lot of rough edges to our game which we need to iron out before the weekend.”

“This will be done in practice this week and we are looking for a four-point weekend.”

He said: “I have challenged the guys to attain nine more wins and if we manage to do that then I believe this will cement us a fourth or fifth place finish, which would be excellent.

“I am looking to maybe strengthen the roster before the January deadline.

“It’s a very tough market right now, but I feel we need to add more depth, so that we do not have the same problems as the first half of the season in terms of playing short-benched.

“It’s time to get back to work and climb that table.”

Stars visit Cardiff Fire on Saturday and return to Oxpens 24 hours later to face Chelmsford Chieftains, with face-off at 6.15.