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.

Witney Gazette:

  • 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)