OXORD United boss Ian Atkins described the fans' response as "magnificent" after a sudden late rush took season ticket sales to around the 2,500 mark.

Supporters left it late but decided in their hundreds each hour to snap up the season ticket discount offer before last night's deadline.

Many have been encouraged by the summer capture of Julian Alsop, Mark Rawle and Derek Townsley, and by chairman Firoz Kassam's announcement at the fans' forum last week that he hopes to bring in two or three more signings.

Atkins said: "It's been a magnificent response from the fans.

"I think people can see that, despite problems last season, we made massive progress and we are looking to push on again."

Secretary Mick Brown said: "All credit to the fans. The number of season tickets we have sold has held up very well and I think people will be surprised by how many have been snapped up."

Meanwhile, the three changes of dates to the fixtures, following United's decision to switch from Tuesday nights to Wednesday nights, for their home matches, are: October 1 Torquay (H), March 3 York (H), March 17 Cheltenham (H).

Discussions are taking place at the moment about whether the home game against Swansea should remain on Bank Holiday Monday, August 25, or also be moved to the Wednesday.