Oxford United chairman Nick Merry has lavished praise on the club's supporters after they passed the 3,000 season ticket sales mark.

The U's sold the landmark ticket yesterday morning - and the total continues to rise.

United's gates are higher this season than last, when the club was still in the Football League.

The U's five home games have produced the five highest gates in the Conference this season, and the sixth highest attendance came at Weymouth - when United took an incredible 2,000 away fans.

The 3,000 season ticket sales means an increase of 700 supporters since last season, and United's average attendance of 5,985 is better than all but one League Two side and more than half of League One.

It is also higher than Colchester's in the Championship.

Merry is delighted at reaching the milestone.

"It's tremendous," he said. "The fans have supported us in numbers, and been right behind us from the word go.

"Just as important, they are coming along and roaring their team on, and the atmosphere just gets better and better. That can only help the team, and the players appreciate the support that they are getting.

"We looked at the 3,000 season ticket mark and wondered if we might achieve it, but in fact the figure is still rising because fans are still coming along and wanting to be part of what's happening here.

"I'd just like to thank every one of those 3,000 fans, and we'll continue to do everything we can to bring them the success that they so deserve."

United are expecting another bumper gate for Saturday's visit of York.