DEANE Smalley was ecstatic to end a long goal drought on Saturday.

And the Oxford United striker later admitted he could not even remember how long it had been since last hitting the back of the net.

The 23-year-old scored both goals as the U’s stayed top of npower League Two after a 2-1 victory over Plymouth.

Smalley’s strikes meant he scored as many goals in three minutes as he had in 39 games during a torrid last 12 months.

His most recent goal came in December last year and the forward was delighted to get the monkey off his back.

He said: “I couldn’t even think when my last goal was, but I want to forget about last season and hopefully this one will be completely different and be a bit more successful.

“It feels good, I’m glad to get off the mark this season. “It’s a starting block for me and something to build on for the rest of the season.”

Despite the joy of scoring twice to earn a 2-1 win for United, Smalley was not totally satisfied.

The striker had a hat-trick chance saved, before coming off at half time with a groin injury which makes him a doubt for tomorrow’s trip to Leeds United in the Capital One Cup.

He said: “I said to a couple of lads in the dressing room that would probably play on my mind for a bit, but if I played the second half I would have had the opportunity to go and score that third goal.

“It’s just a little niggle, hopefully I’ll be fit for Leeds. “I’d love to play at Elland Road but if I’m not fit there’s nothing I can do.”

U’s boss Chris Wilder added: “We’re all pleased for Deane.

“I think he’ll be really disappointed he didn’t get a hat-trick because it’s a special thing to get a match-ball.

“With the effort and work rate he’s shown since coming back in the summer you’d liked to have seen it get rewarded.”