Oxford United chairman Kelvin Thomas last night issued a rallying cry to fans ahead of one of the most important weeks in the club’s recent history.

The U’s need results to go their way and win their final game of the season at the Kassam Stadium on Sunday, against already-relegated Northwich Victoria to stand any chance of making it to the play offs.

That would give them a total of 80 points, which still might not be enough given that rivals Stevenage, Kidderminster, Torquay and Histon all play tomorrow night.

But Mr Thomas urged fans to keep the faith – and cram into the Kassam Stadium for Sunday’s 4pm kick off.

The gate for United’s final game of the Blue Square Premier season could come close to matching the record 12,243 that watched United’s 3-2 home loss against Leyton Orient in May 2006, a defeat that sent them out of the football league.

Mr Thomas said: “We haven’t achieved anything yet, I want to get that across.

“We still have to win that game and Northwich are not going to roll over.

“But there is a great excitement around the place and across Oxfordshire. It is amazing to think that when I first heard about the points deduction we were in the relegation zone.

“We were 18th when I came in, but we are going in the right direction.

“Manager Chris Wilder has worked really hard, the players and backroom staff have worked really hard and we are going places.

“Sunday is going to be a party, a celebration.

“We just need to concentrate on what we have to do — and I hope everyone gets right behind us.

“It’s going to be a hell of a celebration — it’s time to look to the future, no matter what that is.”

However, Mr Thomas is still furious at the “incompetence” of the Football Conference in their handling of United’s five point deduction for fielding an ineligible player.

He told the Oxford Mail he “really didn’t want to dwell on the issue” but had meetings planned for today where the matter would be discussed further, potentially leaving the door open for an appeal.

He added: “The five points is a major issue, but in a strange way I think it has galvanised the team and the club.”

The Non League Paper yesterday reported that Histon escaped a points deduction, despite being found guilty of fielding an ineligible player.

Ben Coker appeared as a substitute in the 2-1 Blue Square Premier game at Rushden in August, but without international clearance.

The error was discovered by the Football Association, which referred it to the Conference and on Thursday Histon were fined, but not docked points.

Oxford United fan John Walton said: “It’s one rule for one and one for another.

“If we have been deducted points then they should have points deducted as well.”

For ticket information ahead of Sunday’s game visit www.oufc.co.uk or call 01865 337533.