Four-goal Tom is top of the class! (From Banbury Cake)

Four-goal Tom is top of the class!

9:50am Monday 22nd October 2012 in Sport By David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Call me on 01865 425458

Tom Craddock fires his fourth of the game against Accrington

TOM Craddock hailed his partnership with James Constable after scoring four in Oxford United’s 5-0 win against Accrington Stanley.

The striker, who turned 26 last week, netted a first-half hat-trick and added a fourth after the break.

Alfie Potter completed the scoring in what was a dominant performance from Chris Wilder’s men.

Craddock was thrilled with his haul, which was the first time he had hit four since his days in the Middlesbrough academy.

But he was quick to highlight the role of Constable, who had a hand in three goals.

He said: “At Cheltenham (a 4-2 win) we got assists for each other and although we lost comprehensively at Port Vale, I felt we linked up a little bit.

“Their keeper made two unbelievable saves from Beano (Constable) in the first half and obviously he got a couple of assists.

“We work well together and I’m sure in the games to come he’ll get on the scoresheet.

“Hopefully I can play a part in that.”

Craddock’s contribution saw him overtake Potter to become United’s top scorer this season, with seven.

Injuries limited him to just ten appearances – and one goal – last season, but a trouble-free few months have made a big difference.

“Thankfully, I’ve stayed injury-free since pre-season,” he said. “The way I’m feeling now it’s the fittest I’ve been since I was at Luton.”

The victory was hugely satisfying for a side which had lost seven of their previous nine league games.

Craddock said: “It can be a turning point, but it’s only us who can determine that.

“We’ve got to go to Rochdale on Tuesday and make sure this result is a springboard.”