BOXING Day football is always a special occasion and often brings in a bumper crowd.

Oxford United's clash with Lincoln City at the Kassam Stadium this afternoon promises to be no different, with the U's flying high in Sky Bet League One and ex-manager Michael Appleton in charge of the Imps.

To whet your appetite, here's what happened in United's last five Boxing Day games.

2018: Oxford United 0, Southend United 1

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Jamie Mackie after Oxford United's defeat to Southend Picture: David Fleming

United entered this game on a run of just one defeat in 16 games, which had started to correct an awful start to the season.

But a crowd of almost 9,000 was left disappointed as the two sides played out a poor-quality game.

Jamie Mackie had a goal ruled out for offside, but there was nothing wrong with Michael Kightly's header to win it for the visitors 11 minutes from time.

2017: Gillingham 1, Oxford United 1

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Oxford United's 11-man defence can't stop a late Gillingham equaliser Picture: David Fleming

A late Conor Wilkinson equaliser denied United what would have been a confidence-boosting triumph.

Pep Clotet's side came into the game off the back of a 7-0 home drubbing at the hands of Wigan Athletic, the U's worst-ever home Football League defeat.

It appeared Ricardinho's second-half strike would be enough for victory, but Wilkinson popped up in the 89th minute to claim a point.

2016: Oxford United 0, Northampton Town 1

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Chris Maguire holds his head after Oxford United concede late on to lose to Northampton Picture: David Fleming

Marc Richards scored with virtually the last kick of the game as Northampton Town snatched victory with a 94th-minute winner.

The scrappy strike summed up a disappointing afternoon that failed to spark into life, despite a crowd of almost 11,800 watching on.

The goal sent the 1,128 Cobblers fans barmy, but it was a Boxing Day to forget for United supporters.

2015: Oxford United 3, Exeter City 0

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Oxford United fans celebrate their side's 3-0 win over Exeter City Picture: David Fleming

United's sole Boxing Day success in the last five years came in their most successful season during that time.

John Lundstram, Liam Sercombe and George Baldock were on the scoresheet as the U's blew Exeter City away in an impressive second-half display.

It was one of many memorable moments in a season that saw United win promotion from Sky Bet League Two, reach the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Final at Wembley and beat Premier League side Swansea City in the FA Cup.

2014: Oxford United 0, Shrewsbury Town 2

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Michael Appleton's first Boxing Day as Oxford United boss was an unhappy one Picture: David Fleming

United were outclassed by a Shrewsbury Town side en route to automatic promotion in a game that was over after 18 minutes.

By then, the visitors were 2-0 up through goals from James Collins and Mark Ellis, with the U's chasing shadows for most of the match.

It meant an unhappy first Christmas for Michael Appleton as United boss after a difficult start to the season.