Supporters group OxVox are calling on Oxford fans to recreate the spirit of Christmas by designating the Histon fixture a week on Saturday as Boxing Day 2.

Around 10,000 fans were expected for the December 26 fixture against Rushden, with the Boxing Day match traditionally one of the most anticipated and best-supported of the season. But, along with several others that day, it had to be called off because of a frozen pitch.

An OxVox spokeman said: “Both club and fans were bitterly disappointed that the game was unable to go ahead, and the players were looking forward to playing in front of a massive crowd. “So we are calling on United fans to show that it doesn’t need to be Boxing Day to attract a huge crowd! The last time Oxford had a large crowd the atmosphere was electric and Oxford were rewarded with a memorable win over promotion rivals Luton.

“The Histon match is being billed as Boxing Day 2. We urge as many fans to come to the game as possible to recreate that attendance and special atmosphere.

“We are encouraging fans who would have attended the original Boxing Day fixture to attend Boxing Day 2 to bring along their relatives and friends, and to help cheer the U’s on to another three points closer to promotion.”