The sign of a good team is often whether they can bounce straight back after a defeat – and Oxford United want to show that quality.

But manager Chris Wilder is warning that the unusual surroundings of the Inter-national Stadium in Gates-head means the players will have to create their own atmosphere and own fire.

The stadium has a capacity of 11,800 but Ian Bogie’s team played in front of just 409 for their 0-0 draw with Rushden in midweek.

With Oxford taking a large contingent, the gate will be four figures, but that still won’t see much in a big arena.

“The stands are a million miles away from the pitch,” Wilder said.

“It’s not going to be a big crowd so we’ve got to make sure we create our own atmosphere and make sure they’re focused and we get a reaction from the last game.

“It’s the same each time with us . . . we always try and win the next game. Nothing changes whether we win, lose or draw.

“The next game’s the most important, and the next game’s Gateshead.”

Jack Midson’s performances when coming off the bench in the last two games are pushing him closer to a starting place.

The former Histon hit-man scored against Eastbourne, and when he and James Constable linked up at Field Mill, the U’s looked very threatening.

Wilder will therefore mull over whether to play 4-4-2, or stick with the 4-3-3 of recent matches. He said: “Jack’s knocking on the door, getting better by the game, and if we want to play the one up front, he can play that, and if we want to play the two, he can certainly do that as well.

“The shape we have played has worked, we’ve picked up some great results with the three in midfield, and playing with one centre forward and two wide, has narrowed down Jack’s opportunities to start.

“But I thought we looked decent too when we went 4-4-2 with Jamie Cook and Matt Green out wide, and Jack came on and did well.”

Oxford United have never played Gateshead before, so one way or another, tomorrow breaks new ground.