Mark Harris could break an EFL Championship record on September 14 against Stoke City at the Kassam Stadium.
The Oxford United forward has been in red-hot form in England’s second tier so far this season. In his four league appearances in 2024/25, Harris has netted a goal in every game.
If Harris finds the back of the net on Saturday afternoon, he will become the first player in Championship history to score in each of his team’s first five league games of a season.
The U’s and Harris have made the step up from League One with incredible ease so far. Last season’s play-off winners have won two and lost two in their four league games.
Considering many tipped Des Buckingham’s side for a bumpy ride, their current position in the top half of the table is a huge testament to their hard work.
Unsurprisingly, Harris’ form has not gone unnoticed. His four goals have come from just seven shots which gives the Welshman a goal conversion rate of 57%. Nobody has higher in the division.
If he scores this weekend, Mark Harris will become the first player in Championship history to score in each of his team’s first 5⃣ games of a season.
Only Erling Haaland has scored more goals than him in 2024 across England’s top four divisions.#OUFC pic.twitter.com/xA4JGsMbIT
— Second Tier podcast (@secondtierpod) September 12, 2024
Mark Harris Nominated For EFL Championship Player Of The Month
Naturally, Mark Harris’ early season exploits for Oxford United have seen him nominated for the EFL Championship Player of the Month award.
If he does break the record – albeit in a different month – it’ll be hard to ignore the 25-year-old’s stunning form. However, the competition is fierce.
Opening day hat-trick hero Josh Maja is arguably Harris’ biggest threat. His treble against Queens Park Rangers for West Brom set the tone before adding another goal and an assist in August.
Also in contention is Sunderland star Luke O’Nien. The Black Cats fan favourite has been instrumental in their early season rise to the top of the table.
Lastly, is Millwall forward Duncan Watmore. The Lions talisman has also netted four times this season. He netted twice against Watford and once against Bristol City and Sheffield Wednesday.
No matter what happens against Stoke and in the August Player of the Month award outcome, Harris can rest easy knowing that only Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland is the only player who has netted more goals in England’s top four leagues than himself in 2024.