MATTY Taylor’s four-year stint with his hometown club will come to an end in June after the 33-year-old wasn’t offered a new contract by Oxford United.

While his final season will be one to forget – scoring three league goals before spending the second half of the campaign on loan at Port Vale – Taylor’s time with the U’s will no doubt be remembered fondly.

Only eight players have scored more for United in the club’s history, and in total, he bagged 64 times.

We had a look at a dozen of his most memorable strikes for the U’s.

READ ALSO: Matty Taylor to leave Oxford United in the summer after not being offered new deal

Lincoln City (A) September 2019

Every first goal for a new club is a special one, particularly when it’s your for your hometown club. Having joined United on a season-long loan from Bristol City, Taylor opened his account with the final goal in a 6-0 win at the Imps. His close-range header with 11 minutes to go sealed a memorable afternoon for the U’s.

West Ham United (H) September 2019

Taylor’s second goal came just four days later on a famous night at Grenoble Road. The striker came on as a substitute to slot home from close range and put United 2-0 up against Premier League West Ham. Tariqe Fosu and Shandon Baptiste completed the scoring as the U’s won 4-0 in a Carabao Cup third round clash.

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Rotherham United (A) October 2019

Taylor continued a rich run of form when he scored his first winning goal for the club. His fifth goal in six games, scored just before the hour mark, sent United into the Sky Bet League One play-off places as they won 2-1 on the road.

Southend United (A) November 2019

The first brace for Taylor came in a 4-0 win at Southend. He opened the scoring after pouncing on a loose pass inside the first minute, before doubling his tally with five minutes to go.

Manchester City (H) December 2019

A goal synonymous with Taylor’s time with the U’s is his strike against Man City. After Joao Cancelo put Pep Guardiola’s side ahead, Taylor equalised moments into the second half when he fired in after Baptiste’s quick free kick. A Raheem Sterling double though ensured City made it through to the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

Ipswich Town (A) February 2020

An important winning goal came at Portman Road as United chased a play-off spot. Taylor finished a flowing counter-attack just before half-time as the U’s sealed an important three points.

Southend United (H) February 2020

Taylor scored another crucial winner a week later, as United pushed themselves back into the play-offs. With the game poised at 1-1, Taylor received the ball with his back to goal, and turned to fire into the far corner.

Bristol Rovers (H) January 2021

Two goals which were major milestones in Taylor’s time with the U’s were his double at home to his former club. A goal in each half stretched United’s unbeaten run to 10 games.

Sheffield Wednesday (H) January 2022

The final goals to make the list came last season when Taylor hit a brace in a 3-2 win at home to the Owls. He twice hauled United level, while his second goal against Wednesday was his 50th for the club.

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About the author

To sign up to Liam’s latest Oxford United newsletter for free, click here: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/newsletters/

Formerly the politics reporter for the Oxford Mail, Liam now covers all things Oxford United.

Liam attends the U’s home and away, as well as covering other big sports stories across the county.

His Oxford United newsletter is released every Saturday morning at 6am.