OXFORD United’s fast starts are giving them a perfect platform to kick on, says Matty Taylor.

The U’s took the lead for the ninth successive game against Morecambe, before going on to win 3-1.

Taylor put United ahead on the previous two Saturdays, but he turned provider to hook the ball across goal for Steve Seddon to head home in the 29th minute.

The striker said: “You win more games than not when you score first.

“We haven’t at times this season, but we’re up against some good sides.

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“It’s good to see we’re starting on the front foot, rather than reacting and trying to figure out the game at 1-0 down.

“We’ve started games really fast, got the tactics spot-on and we’re seeing the benefits.”

United should have gone 2-0 up seven minutes into the second half, but James Henry skied his penalty into the East Stand.

Taylor won the spot-kick, going down under pressure from goalkeeper Jokull Andresson as they battled for a loose ball.

Asked if it was a penalty, he said: “It was given.

“It was probably a little bit theatrical, but he obviously touched me.”

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United were made to pay 12 minutes later, as Morecambe's Cole Stockton lashed home a terrific first-time volley.

It was the Shrimps No 9's 13th goal in all competitions this season and his opposite number was full of admiration.

Taylor said: “I thought it was an unbelievable goal.

"It’s slightly behind him, he's caught it on the volley with that technique.

"If that was in the Premier League you’d be licking your lips."

Taylor bagged his second assist of the afternoon when he headed down for Mark Sykes, before chipping Andresson after he was played in by Seddon’s delightful backheel.

The U's striker is in decent form himself, with yesterday's strike his fifth goal in seven games and his sixth of the season.

He said: “Players all over the pitch have that quality and can find me.

“I just keep making the runs and hope it comes my way.

“That’s how the goals are going in at the minute, but there will be times you have to find a different way to score.”

Taylor now has 37 Football League goals for United, 40 short of Graham Atkinson's record.

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The U’s head coach added: “Matty worked tirelessly throughout the game.

“The kid’s on fire.

“People were saying his legs have gone, but we always knew the goals would come.

"I think Graham Atkinson holds the record for Football League goals, Aldo (John Aldridge) has 72.

"I said to Matty: 'What a great name to chase'.

"He knows where he wants to be on that chart.

"He’s a local lad doing well, his finish was excellent and his assist was exceptional."