JON Obika’s goalscoring form in pre-season came close to breaking an Oxford United club record set 31 years ago.
The striker netted an impressive eight goals in the warm-up matches – one more than he managed in competitive games for the club last term.
But according to United’s official records, he was one short of equalling the most scored in pre-season friendlies.
- Jon Obika notched eight goals during the warm-up games this summer Picture: David Fleming
That accolade is held by Billy Whitehurst, who bagged nine in the summer of 1987.
They came on their tour to Sweden, where he hit a hat-trick against Hofors, doubles versus Edsbro and Skarblacka, plus strikes at Brommapojkarna and Trosa.
The trip included an 11-0 victory and two 9-1 successes, with Dean Saunders another to fill his boots – returning to England with eight goals.
But while Obika fell just shy of Whitehurst’s mark, his tally of scoring against six different sides in pre-season is a U’s record.
OXFORD UNITED’S TOP SCORERS IN PRE-SEASON
- 9 - Billy Whitehurst (1987)
- 8 - Dean Saunders (1987)
- 8 - Jon Obika (2018)
- 7 - John Durnin (1990)
- 7 - Jamie Guy (2008)
- 6 - Andy Thomas (1986)
- 6 - Matthew McDonnell (1989)
- 6 - Yemi Odubade (2006)
- 6 - Martin Aldridge (1997)
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