Midfielder Asa Hall says a top-seven place will be Oxford United’s target next season, and should be well within their means.

The U’s have enjoyed a solid first season back in the Football League, and will finish between ninth and 13th, depending on Saturday’s final game at Shrewsbury, and other results on the last day of the season.

And Hall, who scored in United’s 2-1 win over Lincoln City in their home finale last Saturday, believes they will improve on that next year, and be in the shake-up at the end.

“I think we’ve definitely got to be in the play-offs next season, and that’s the main aim for everyone here.

“We know we can beat anyone in this league. We’ve played better against the teams at the top, so if we can finish better against the bottom teams, I think we’ve got a real opportunity.”

Hall’s volleyed goal against Lincoln was only his fourth of the season, well below the 15 he had hoped for before the campaign began.

“I’ve not got the number of goals I was hoping for,” he admitted.

“I am disappointed, but I’m hoping next year I’ll bring my scoring boots.”

In the early part of the season, everything seemed to conspire against the former Luton man finding the net, with opposition goalkeepers making world-class saves, and Hall hitting the woodwork countless times before he did find the net.

“I think I’ve just been unlucky, then it maybe got to me what happened.

“But at least this was good timing – to score in the last home game – and hopefully I can build on it.

“We were pleased to finish with a win. We all maybe tried a bit too hard first half, but second half we came out and showed our worth.

“We grew as the game went on and got stronger.

“I think there’s been some excellent football this season, especially here, and the fans’ support gives us such a lift at home.”

One of the games Hall did score in earlier in the season was against Shrewsbury in a 3-1 win at the Kassam Stadium.

The Shrews are already guaranteed at least a play-off place, but are hoping to pip Wycombe for the third automatic promotion place.

They will overhaul the Chairboys if they beat Oxford, and Wycombe only draw at home to Southend, or if they draw with the U’s and Wycombe lose.