THOUSANDS more seats were made available to Oxford United fans tonight as the club readies itself for a bumper crowd at its final game of the season.

United’s play-off hopes are still alive as they prepare for the visit of already-relegated Northwich Victoria on Sunday.

With ticket sales already eclipsing the Blue Square Premier’s highest attendance of the season — which stands at 6,488 for Cambridge against Histon on Boxing Day — the Us are now gunning for a full house.

Yesterday afternoon, the club freed up an extra 2,000 seats for home fans.

The netting separating U’s fans from visiting supporters in the North Stand has been moved to do away with the so-called ‘no man’s land’ in the middle of the stand.

Both sets of fans will still be kept apart by a column of netting, although there is no hint of any potential trouble between U’s fans and their counterparts from Cheshire, who are likely to number about 150.

Early estimates suggest Sunday’s crowd could top 10,000.

Last night club spokesman Chris Williams said: “Demand is huge, as everyone knows it’s the hottest ticket in town, so we have made two-and-a-half extra blocks of seats available in the North Stand, which is space for 2,000 fans, who should make it a fantastic occasion and give us the best possible support.

“There has been a reasonable demand from Northwich fans as although they are already relegated I’m sure they want to support their club and have one last day in the sun.

“There have been steady queues of home fans outside the ticket office most of the day and the phones continue to be really busy. More and more people are also booking online because they have realised how simple it is.

“Due to demand, the ticket office will be open on Saturday between 10am and 3pm and the club shop will be open between 10am and 1.30pm.

“The shop is having a stock clearance so fans can get their scarves and colours and then get their tickets.”

Oxford’s bid for the highest Blue Square Premier crowd of the season could only realistically be scuppered by fellow promotion hopefuls Cambridge United, who play Altrincham at the Trade Recruitment Stadium, formerly the Abbey Stadium.

A Cambridge United spokesman said: “Our current capacity is about 8,800, but we won’t get that amount in because the away side will only bring about 150.

“We think we can get about 7,900 in on Sunday.

“From us here, we wish Oxford all the best of luck. Hopefully we will go up automatically, but we hope you win – and look forward to possibly meeting Oxford in the play-offs.”

To book tickets for the Oxford match call 01865 337533, visit oufc.co.uk or call in person at the ticket office at the stadium.

The office is open until 6pm tomorrow evening.