Striker Tom Craddock admits Accrington Stanley’s home record is something Oxford United will hope to emulate next season to challenge even more strongly for a promotion place.

The Reds have won their last eight successive games at the Fraser Eagle Stadium, and only champions-elect Chesterfield can better their 13-4-3 home record.

Craddock is one of the few at United to have played at Accrington.

“I went there on a Tuesday night towards the end of the season (in 2009) when I was with Luton,” he recalled. “It was a tough game then – it finished 0-0 – it’s always a tough place to go.

“They’re up there level with the play-off positions and they’ve had a good season.

“I think they rely on their home form,” he added. “The season I played them, they were also strong at home.

“This season they had quite a few games called off, and they’ve managed to make the most of them later on.”

Oxford’s eight defeats at the Kassam Stadium have hit them hard, so maybe the U’s need to replicate Stanley at home.

“I think overall the performance levels at home have been pretty pleasing, but we’ve got to match the performances with the results,” Craddock says.

“And next season maybe have poorer performances at home but if we pick up three points it will be a lot better for us.

“If we want to push on as a team, and as a club, our home results are something we’ve got to improve, make sure we’re really tight at home and don’t give opponents any encouragement.”

Craddock has been United’s most regular penalty-taker.

He was also fulfilled that role at Luton, converting four in 2008-9 and five last season.

He was also successful from 12 yards out in United’s recent home games against Stevenage and Burton Albion.

However, he shot wide from the spot in the first half of United’s 4-0 Oxfordshire Senior Cup final win against Kidlington at the Kassam Stadium on Tuesday.

The former FA Youth Cup winner, with Middlesbrough in 2003-4, says though that he has thoroughly enjoyed his first season with Oxford.

“It’s an excellent team to play in. I’ve really enjoyed my football this season.

“In the main I’ve been quite pleased with my own form. Obviously I’ve scored 14 goals, which is a pleasing return, but I think it could have been better.

“My performances have mirrored the way the team’s been playing. Some games up, some games down.

“So next season I’ll be looking to be more consistent, and hopefully help the team to be more consistent as well.”