KARL Robinson has called on Oxford United fans to create an atmosphere befitting a play-off semi-final on Tuesday.

U’s season-ticket holders had until 9am this morning to apply for a seat at the first leg against Blackpool, when the Kassam Stadium will welcome supporters for the first time since December.

The capacity of 4,000 will be well below the five-figure crowd the game would surely have attracted in normal times, but it is set to be the highest attendance to watch United at home since February 2020.

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Robinson knew a top-six finish in Sky Bet League One would enable the U’s to play in front of supporters at least once before next season and he expects it to be a memorable evening.

The United head coach said: “It’ll be just as special for them as it will be for us to have them back in.

“I think it’s an amazing achievement that we get to see them before next season.

“The butterflies are certainly there, knowing there will be people back in the ground.

“We are ecstatic they’re going to be back in there.

“If you’re coming, get in there early and get that place rocking.”

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United played three home matches in front of fans last December, plus an away game at Plymouth Argyle, when no more than 2,000 fans could attend.

But every other fixture since their 3-2 win at Shrewsbury Town last March has been behind closed doors.

That was the last game before the campaign was suspended, with the U’s eventually returning for last year’s play-offs in July.

United had to get used to performing behind closed doors and Robinson is relieved there will be fewer empty seats this season.

He said: “There will be a big-match atmosphere.

“Last year we went into these play-offs with nobody, it was quite a surreal moment to find yourself in and this is different again.

“We’re thankful the sound system noise will be off, it’ll be real.

“It’ll be as authentic as ever and that’s something we’re looking forward to.