Tommy Mooney has set Oxford United's strikers a 50-goal challenge to help the team achieve prom- otion.

The former Swindon striker netted his new club's first of the season in Wednesday's win over Mansfield as Graham Rix's side recorded their first success.

But Mooney says that if the U's are to harbour promotion hopes, the club's strikers will need to fire on all cylinders.

"Competition is always healthy, and I had the same sort of thing with Sam Parkin at Swindon last season," he said.

"If myself, Lee Bradbury, Steve Basham and Julian Alsop score 50 goals between us this season, then we will have a good chance of achieving something.

"I have got my first goal now, and so hopefully on Saturday it will be somebody else's turn to open their account."

Mooney's goal on Wednesday was particularly special because it coincided with his 33rd birthday.

"It is actually the first time I have scored on my birthday," he said.

"I think you could see the relief on my face when the goal went in because a few things had not fallen right in front of goal for us."

Mooney's non-stop effort, classy first touch, and the fact he joined Oxford from their arch rivals has already made him a massive hit with the United fans.

And he says that he cannot believe how quickly they have taken to him.

"I could never have hoped that the fans here would be as good to me as they have been," he said.

"The reception that I got whenever I went towards the home end was fantastic, and it was great to hear the fans.

"When Leo Roget was sent off, they all got right behind the team and that gave everyone a massive lift.

"Although Mansfield threw everything at us, we defended really well, and I think by the reaction of the players and supporters at the final whistle, you could see what the win meant to everyone.

"When I discovered there were only just over 5,000 fans here, I couldn't believe it because the noise they made was frightening.

"I can't wait until there are 10,000 here."