Oxford United boss Ian Atkins admits he can't help himself looking at the Division 3 table!

Ian AtkinsUnited's 2-0 win at Rushden & Diamonds on Saturday - their seventh victory in the last eight games, all with clean sheets - saw them move up to third spot and into the automatic promotion places.

And although Atkins is not getting carried away, he says it is difficult not to keep reminding himself exactly where Oxford are.

"I am looking at the table, because it is nice to at the moment," he said. "It's nice to be able to talk about Oxford United being third in the league.

"No-one expected us to be there, and it has given the supporters real hope.

"You look at what happened before this season. There had been £300,000 spent on players and people were talking about finishing in the top ten as a good season.

"We have spent nothing this summer and we are third in the league - that is great for everyone."

Atkins takes his side to Southend tomorrow looking to continue their impressive run.

James Hunt is definitely out with an ankle injury, and although Dave Savage's groin was a bit tight after the win at Rushden, he is expected to be fit and continue in central midfield.

Southend are on a terrible run in front of their home fans, winning just once in their last seven games.

Atkins will wait until he sees the state of the Roots Hall pitch before naming his line-up.

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