Update: the travellers have now been moved on by police but it wasn't long before they were seen in Oxford again

FOOTBALL teams in Blackbird Leys are still waiting to see if they will be able to play key fixtures as travellers remained camped out on their pitch.

Last night, it was expected that the police would begin the process to evict the dozens of travellers who moved on to the Sandy Lane pitches earlier this week.

Around 20 vehicles including 10 caravans have continued to occupy the land off Blackbird Leys Road, blocking local clubs from using it.

James Bruce, owner of East Oxford Football Club said his players were unable to train there on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The club have a home fixture against Chinnor scheduled on Saturday that has already been paid for.

Mr Bruce said that he had sought reassurances from the city council who promised him that it was hopeful the travellers would be removed by Saturday.

Another pitch in Rose Hill has been set aside for the club to use if Sandy Lane is still off-limits.

It is still unclear how many other football clubs are affected at this time.