JAKE Wright says hitting the target is all that counts for Oxford United at Notts County this afternoon.

Anything other than a win at Meadow Lane will see Michael Appleton’s side miss their goal for this block of five games.

United are aiming for a minimum of eight points from each section of the campaign and it has been a case of so far, so good.

But they have only taken five points from the last four games, so the scenario today is simple.

United also went into the final match of their first two blocks in the same situation – going on to beat Yeovil Town and York City.

And skipper Wright is unfazed at the prospect of the stakes being raised today.

He said: “After the Wycombe game (a 2-1 defeat) we were struggling to hit our target for this batch, but we’ve put ourselves in a good position.

“If we go to Notts County and win we’ve hit our target and we’ll move on from there.

“The first two blocks we needed to win our last game, so this is no different for us.

“I think it’s definitely achievable (to go the whole season without missing a target).

“It will be difficult for us, but it’s something we want to do.

“It’s a really good structure, I’d not done it before the end of last season, but it’s working for us.

“In the two games we’ve needed to win we’ve done it.

“It’s not like we’ve struggled, it puts a bit of pressure on us, but it’s only the same as every game because home and away we go to win.”

United beat the Magpies 3-1 at the Kassam Stadium in August, but their tactical preparations have been disrupted this week.

Ricardo Moniz was sacked as manager on Tuesday with the side sitting 15th in Sky Bet League Two.

Academy boss Mick Halsall has been put in temporary charge alongside coaches Richard Dryden, Kevin Pilkington and Mike Edwards.

It means the home side’s approach will be unpredictable.

Appleton said: “They may change personnel and there may be certain players who have not been as motivated in previous weeks that could be more motivated now.

“They are a dangerous team, but as the chairman said in his statement from a defensive point of view they can be got at.

“I imagine they would look to tighten up, which makes it a little bit more difficult because they have been quite free-flowing.”