OXFORD United fans have helped propel their team to the brink of a play-off place and can push them over the finishing line by filling the stadium on Sunday, club legend Jim Smith said.

As many as 10,000 supporters could be cheering on the U’s as nine months of hard work comes down to a nailbiting season finale.

Ticket sales were “manic” yesterday as fans booked their seats for a match few thought would matter as they languished in mid-table at Christmas.

Mr Smith said: “It’s going to be a great day. Chris Wilder and the lads have done a fantastic job to get us into a position where there’s a little bit of hope that we can progress.

“Unfortunately, it’s a big ask, because it’s not just one team we have to beat.

“All the boys can do is win the game and hope the other two go for us.

“It’s been a great achievement no matter what, and the fans will come and enjoy the day. Let’s hope we have that bit of luck that we haven’t had in the last couple or three years.

“I think if we get into the play-offs we can go all the way.”

He added: “The fans are fantastic and always have been. They have come back in their droves and been brilliant. I’ve been at most of the away games and their support is second to none in this league, and in many leagues.

“They have certainly played their part, giving a gee-up to the boys, and they believe they can win.”

To reach the play-offs, United need: A win against already-relegated Northwich Victoria Torquay to lose at home to table-topping Burton Kidderminster to fail to beat Kettering at home.

Matches all kick off on Sunday at 4pm.

Chairman Kelvin Thomas said: “Our season comes down to three results. I think there will be a lot of fans there on Sunday. Everyone is very excited, and people have been calling up in numbers — it’s great.”

Asked whether Oxford’s previous best Conference crowd of 11,065 — an all-time record for the league — could be topped, he replied: “I think it would be a push to break that, but I think there could be in the 9,000s, and I’d love to get in the 10,000s.

“What such a big crowd does is it makes people sit up and take notice of what we as a club have achieved.

“If we make the play-offs it will be fantastic. It will be something we have worked very, very hard for and it will be almost unimaginable how great a feeling it would be.”

Club spokesman Chris Williams said: “It will be the biggest crowd of the season. People were booking tickets straight after Tuesday night’s games — there were five tickets booked online in the five minutes after the final whistles.

“It’s going to be huge — it’s manic in the ticket office.”

The club has also reported record numbers of online sales.

To order tickets call 01865 337533, visit oufc.co.uk or call in to ticket office at the Kassam Stadium between 9.30am and 5.30pm.