MICHAEL Appleton has called on Oxford United supporters to boost his side’s chances of extending their winning run by turning out in force for back-to-back home games.

The U’s are attempting to claim a fifth successive victory when in-form Milton Keynes Dons visit the Kassam Stadium on Saturday.

Appleton’s men entertain high-flying Southend United three days later.

United’s average gates in Sky Bet League One of just over 8,500 are the club’s highest since their last top-flight season, in 1987/88.

Appleton’s side were roared to derby success over Swindon Town by 2,700 travelling supporters on Sunday.

And with the MK Dons clash dubbed ‘Fans Day’, another bumper turn-out seems assured this weekend.

He said: “We have some big games coming up.

“It would be nice to get as many people as we can in the home games.

“I know we have a lot of games and there’s a cost to that, I understand that.

“But the more we can get through the turnstiles the better our chance to try to keep pushing and looking upwards.”

United’s continued involvement in the Emirates FA Cup and Checkatrade Trophy will see them playing twice a week until at least the end of March.

The packed schedule is daunting, but Appleton is relishing the challenge.

Indeed, the U’s boss reckons the progress made since the start of the season means he is enjoying this campaign even more than the last, when United won automatic promotion and reached a Wembley final.

“Definitely, because it’s a new group,” he said.

“I’ve had to make a couple of decisions recently which were tough, letting Ryan (Taylor) and Alex (MacDonald) go.

“They were lads I really liked, good personalities, but I knew I had to do it for the good of the club.

“I want to improve all the time and I think we’ve made the right decision.

“Time will tell, but we’ll just continue to move in the right direction.”