OXFORD United will reach a financial milestone on Sunday, even if they lose at Wembley.

Michael Appleton’s side have excelled in cup competitions this season and the income from prize money and television fees will pass the £500,000-mark this weekend.

And when gate receipts are included, the total is likely to run to more than £1million.

The U’s have earned £472,000 from runs in the Checkatrade Trophy and Emirates FA Cup.

And they will gain another £50,000 in prize money if they lose on Sunday, while victory against Coventry City is worth £100,000.

The majority of United’s total came from their run to the FA Cup fifth round, boosted by £139,500 in TV fees for coverage of ties against Merstham and Macclesfield Town.

But part of the revamped format for the Trophy included an increase in prize money – netting the U’s £130,000.

The figures do not include lucrative gate receipts for a sold-out Kassam Stadium against Newcastle United in the FA Cup fourth round, or the 28,000 crowd for the following tie at Middlesbrough.

Those will be dwarfed by a gate in excess of 70,000 at Wembley, where they receive 45 per cent of the net proceeds.

U’s chairman Darryl Eales said: “Wembley was worth £400,000 to us last year.

“This time there are slight changes, like the discounted rate is for over 60s rather than over 65s and under 17s are £10.

“I think we will get £400-500,000 for the gate. We don’t budget for it.

“If you calculate for a worst-case loss and know you can fund it then the club will never be in any financial difficulty.”