MICHAEL Appleton says he hopes Oxford United’s supporters realise the importance of tomorrow’s meeting with Accrington Stanley and pack out the Kassam Stadium.

An impressive 7,500 U’s fans turned up on Tuesday night to watch the 1-0 defeat to Sky Bet League Two leaders Northampton Town.

While a game against Accrington may not have quite the same edge, Appleton was keen to stress how vital it was to his side.

Win and their six-point cushion over the chasing pack would be at least preserved, while defeat would halve the deficit and leave fourth-placed Accrington still with two games in hand.

At a time when his squad is being stretched by injuries, the U’s boss knows backing from the stands has never been more crucial.

He said: “It’s a massive game, arguably bigger than the other night, if we’re being honest.

“We had fantastic support against Northampton and with them being top of the league and being relatively local, the fans turned out in their thousands.

“I just hope they realise how big a game this is, that’s it just as, if not more, important.

“It could make a huge difference on the day and the players are so appreciative of the support we’ve had this year.

“But in this period where we’ve got a few niggles and people who are going to need that bit of extra support to drag them through games, this Saturday doesn’t come any bigger.”