Oxford United ace Asa hoping to stay (From The Oxford Times)

Oxford United ace Asa hoping to stay

9:00am Wednesday 25th April 2012 in Sport

In-form Asa Hall wants to stay with ths U's

Asa Hall is hoping a hot streak in front of goal has done enough to earn a new deal with Oxford United this summer.

The 25-year-old has been one of United’s stand-out performers in recent weeks and scored a stunning goal in the 1-1 draw at Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, finding the net with a rasping 30-yard drive.

It took his tally for the campaign to seven, with only James Constable (11) ahead of him.

While a decent return for a midfielder, the most notable factor about the haul is six have come in the last 12 games.

Hall freely admits to being disappointed with his form for most of his two seasons since joining the U’s from Luton, but is delighted to make big strides in the second half of the season.

It could make all the difference when his contract expires and although the former Birmingham City trainee admits staying with the U’s is top of his wish-list.

“I couldn’t have asked for any more, but contracts are for the summer and I haven’t really thought about it at the moment,” he said.

“Given the chance, I’d love to stay. I love it here.

“I think my form’s really good at the moment – the best I’ve played since I’ve been here.

“All I can do is carry that on and stay in the team.

“It’s taken time, but I think I’m playing with more freedom and confidence at the moment. The goals have definitely helped.”

Hall’s eye for goal could prove crucial as the U’s attempt to force their way back into the npower League Two play-off places.

A run of five games without a win has seen them drop out of the top seven, giving Chris Wilder’s side two games to make up the two-point deficit on Crewe.

Southend United visit the Kassam Stadium this Saturday before United complete the season with a trip to Port Vale on May 5.

Hall says the mood in the squad remains positive and is confident a strong finish will keep the club’s promotion hopes alive.

He said: “All we can do is make sure we win our last two.

“We have to believe that six points will get us there, we’ve got two massive games ahead of us.”