ROB Dickie has a message for Oxford United’s supporters at the Kassam Stadium against Sunderland this afternoon – let’s do it again.

The last home game on a Saturday saw Karl Robinson’s strugglers win 2-1 against then Sky Bet League One leaders Portsmouth.

Dickie felt the backing from the Yellow Army played a big role in helping the side bag three points.

And with about 2,000 more home supporters expected for the clash with another title contender today – the U’s yesterday broke the 10,000 ticket barrier – the centre back knows how big a role they can play.

He said: “I would say against Portsmouth our support was brilliant and that gave us the extra five per cent to get over the line.

“That was a good performance on the day, so hopefully we get a similar support on Saturday.

“It really does excite you.

“When it’s packed like that it’s just an occasion that as footballers we should all want to be a part of every week.

“We need to prove we can handle it every week.”

Portsmouth are the only team United have beaten in their last eight league games, which has seen them slip back into the relegation zone.

But they are unbeaten in the last four and depending on results today could climb up to four places.

Dickie is well aware inconsistency has been a big issue, but reckons United enjoy the challenge when high-flying teams come to attack at the Kassam.

He said: “It’s easier for us if a team really has a go for it and needs to win.

“Some teams will come here, sit behind the ball and make it really difficult. It’s a game we’re all really looking forward to.

“It could be massive.

“We’ve come off the back of a little unbeaten run and a win on Saturday could really set us up for a good rest of the month.”

He added: “To be totally honest, I think it’s a case of which Oxford United is going to turn up on the day?

“If the right one turns up I honestly believe we can beat anyone.”

TODAY’S LINE-UPS

Oxford Utd: from Eastwood, Hanson, Nelson, Dickie, Ruffels, Mousinho, Henry, Brannagan, Whyte, Sinclair, Graham, Mackie, Browne, Carruthers, Sykes, Kashi, Garbutt, Long, Stevens.

Sunderland: from McLaughlan, Matthews, James, Flanagan, Dunne, Honeyman, Morgan, McGeady, Leadbitter, Power, Wyke, Grigg, Sterling, Watmore, O’Nien, McGeouch, Maguire, Baldwin, Ruiter.