Oxford United fans will have to pay through the nose to continue watching their team in the FA Cup this season.

Opponents Southend United originally wanted to charge adults £22 on the day, or £20 in advance, for next Tuesday's second-round replay against the U's, following Saturday's 0-0 draw at the Kassam Stadium.

However, after a number of complaints, the Shrimpers have now reduced ticket prices - though only slightly - to £20 on the day, or £18 in advance.

But it still seems a lot of money for a Coca-Cola League One club at home to a Conference club at this stage of the competition.

By comparison, tickets for Bristol Rovers v Rushden & Diamonds last Saturday were £10, while fans at the Swindon v Forest Green tie paid either £10 or £13.

Oxford United secretary and general manager Mick Brown added that prices for next Tuesday were the Shrimpers' decision, but that both clubs had effectively agreed to stick to their normal league prices for the tie.

"We went along with what was felt to be appropriate, which was for us to charge our normal league prices and them to do the same should it go to a replay," Brown said.

"But they came back to us yesterday and have reduced prices slightly."

The high ticket prices are especially surprising because people find the run-up to Christmas an expensive time anyway.

Should the U's win the replay, supporters in the Oxford Mail Stand will have to pay more to see the third-round tie against League 1 Dagenham & Redbridge.

Brown explained: "If we get through, and let's hope we do, we are bound by a minimum price that the FA set for the third round of £15. So they would inevitably face an increase."