PLAYING behind closed doors has enabled teams to find new ways to win, according to Oxford United boss Karl Robinson.

Tomorrow’s home game against Crewe Alexandra had been earmarked as the day the U’s would welcome fans back to the Kassam Stadium for the first time since February, with capacity limited to 1,000.

But after the government extended the ban on supporters in last week’s updated coronavirus restrictions United now face the prospect of playing most of the 2020/21 season in empty grounds.

While Robinson has admitted to feeling “lost” without fans, he believes the lack of atmosphere also encourages teams to sit back.

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The U’s dominated possession in the 2-0 defeat at Lincoln City on the opening day of the Sky Bet League One season.

They were also well on top in the Carabao Cup first round tie against AFC Wimbledon, which they only won on penalties following a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes.

Robinson expects more teams to use the tactic before supporters are allowed to return and admits home advantage has all-but gone.

He said: “If you’re at home it’s your dressing room and you know what you’re going to get, but other than that it’s not there.

“Teams have been sitting back because they’re not under pressure from the fans to get in our faces.

“There’s a few teams who are winning games at the moment with 35 per cent possession, because they don’t have to come out of their zones and they have pace at the top end of the pitch.

“It’s a different way of seeing the game, but from a fans point of view it’s still way off what it was.”

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Both United and Crewe head into tomorrow’s match off the back of their first three points of the campaign.

While United won 4-1 at Accrington Stanley last week, David Artell’s side beat MK Dons 2-0.

After being bottom of the fledgling table at kick off, the U’s ended the day 11th and Robinson knows another victory would put United in an even healthier position.

He said: “I think every game at this time of year becomes important because of the big jump in league positions.

“We know we’ve got a very tough game ahead of us, but we’re prepared and we’ve had a good week.”

Crewe’s opening two league games came against Charlton Athletic and Hull City – two sides relegated from the Championship last season.

But the win over MK Dons was followed by a 1-0 triumph over Newcastle United’s Under 21s on Tuesday and Robinson knows their tails will be up.

He said: “They’ve had a good week and it’s down to us to ensure we apply ourselves. We’re certainly ready for the challenge.”