THERE were times earlier this season when it felt like Danny Hylton was scoring in every game, but Oxford United’s top scorer is not getting weighed down by a sudden barren run in front of goal.

The 25-year-old will line up against Hartlepool United looking for his first goal in seven games.

By the standards of his stellar debut season with the U’s, where 12 goals came in the forward’s first 19 games, it is a drought.

Hylton does not come across as someone for whom such a situation would keep him awake at night, although the former Aldershot hitman knows exactly how long it has been since hitting the net.

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“I’ve been stuck on it for six games now,” he said.

“I’ve had chances and that’s the pleasing thing, I don’t get too down if I don’t score.

“The main thing is I play well and contribute to the team.

“I had a good chance on Saturday and I’m getting them in every game, so I’m confident that they will start going in again.

“It’s a cliché, but all you can do is hit the target.

“There have been a few saves, world class saves maybe, but hopefully they start going in again.”

Even with the seven-week drought, no-one in Sky Bet League Two has scored more than him this season.

Indeed, Hylton’s dozen goals in all competitions is just two fewer than Hartlepool’s entire squad have managed in their 20 league games.

While the goals may have temporarily dried up, Gary Waddock’s only signing remains one of the first names on his successor’s teamsheet.

Hylton’s contribution to the cause cannot be doubted and he has got on with a variety of roles, even if playing out wide has contributed to the lack of goals.

In the past week alone he set up Alfie Potter’s opener at Prenton Park on Tuesday night and forced an own goal in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Bury.

“I thought it was sneaking in the back post, but it’s gone down as an own goal unfortunately,” he dead-panned.

A selfless streak has made him a popular member with the playing and coaching staff alike, although Hylton admits there is nothing quite like hitting the back of the net yourself.

“Of course scoring is a better feeling,” he said.

“I do want to score, but as long as we’re winning and I’m playing well and contributing to the team then I genuinely am quite happy to get on with it.”

He added: “I just enjoy getting on the pitch and running about.

“I’ve played up front on my own before, this gaffer likes to play a little bit deeper, I’m just happy to play wherever.”

A lack of options in the FA Cup replay at Tranmere Rovers in midweek saw him lead the line, but Hylton may be given a different assignment against Pools tomorrow, with John Campbell and Wes Burns back in contention this weekend.

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