DAN Agyei admitted getting off the mark for Oxford United is a huge weight off his shoulders.

The striker came on as his teammates celebrated United’s third goal in the 4-0 victory at Southend United.

Agyei took seconds to announce his arrival, latching on to a loose ball before advancing and sending a low shot into the far corner.

It was his first goal for the U’s after finding opportunities limited since signing in August.

The 22-year-old has been restricted to just seven United appearances and knows just how important it was to seize his opportunity.

He said: “It’s a massive relief. I’ve worked hard and it’s paid off.

“The gaffer was saying that when I get the ball I should turn and drive at them, because he said no one can live with me when I do that.

“Today’s put a good marker down and I just need to take any chance I get.”

The goal was extra sweet as it came in front of former Manchester United and England forward Andy Cole, now Southend’s attack coach.

Agyei added: “Andy Cole is a striker I looked up to and do to it in front of him is quite special.”

Although the striker was delighted to find the net, Shrimpers boss Sol Campbell was frustrated at the manner of United’s goals.

The Sky Bet League One strugglers left themselves with a mountain to climb at the break, with first-half strikes from Matty Taylor and James Henry coming after Southend gave the ball away near their own penalty area.

Taylor’s second goal and Agyei’s effort also came after the visitors were quickest to pounce on a loose ball.

It left Campbell calling on his players to be calmer in possession as he seeks to arrest the Essex side’s rotten run of form.

“We’re obviously disappointed but I’m more disappointed we’ve given it away when we’re not under pressure,” said the former England defender.

“We have to play football and it has to be a mixture.

“Sometimes you go long and sometimes you go short but those scenarios today are because we’ve given it to them.”