Oxford United’s squad have been given a boost with the news they will spend three days in a training camp at Bisham Abbey from tomorrow.

The players spent time at the renowned National Sports Centre in Berkshire during pre-season and have been looking to organise a return for the past few weeks.

Michael Appleton’s men will arrive tomorrow and stay for two nights, before making the short trip to Portsmouth on Friday, when they will have another overnight stay ahead of the Sky Bet League Two clash at Fratton Park.

For Mark Ashton, the club’s chief executive, there are many benefits to the trip.

He said: “We are preparing properly and making sure they are doing everything right.

“The pitches at the training ground are heavy at the moment.

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“It’s a change of scenery and gives the players an opportunity to refresh themselves. Plus, it’s a good team bonding exercise”

It comes on the back of a 3-0 win against Mansfield Town on Saturday, which was only the side’s second victory at the Kassam Stadium since October.

The result relieved some of the pressure on the club, but the camp would have gone ahead whatever the result.

Ashton said: “I think everybody was pleased with the performance on Saturday. From start to finish there was a buzz around the club.

We tweaked one or two things to gain that extra advantage and they all delivered.

“The fans were also fantastic and the Luton game before it was exactly the same.”

Before they head down the M40, United have two games today.

At lunchtime the development squad play Southend United, before taking on Easington Sports in a rearranged Oxfordshire Senior Cup tie.

The quarter-final, which was postponed last week due to a waterlogged pitch, is being played at Abingdon United’s Northcourt Road (7.30). Admission is £5 adults, £2 concessions.

The winners will play North Leigh or Old Woodstock Town, who also play tonight.

Woodstock, who have won their last six matches in Uhlsport Hellenic League Division 1 East, are without the injured Jack Heap and cup-tied Rob Johnson.

Midfielder Brian Bowles returns for North Leigh after missing the win over Mangotsfield.