OXFORD United have posted hundreds of match tickets for Saturday's Sky Bet League One curtain-raiser after delays affected some season ticket holders.

Several supporters have contacted the Oxford Mail with concerns they had not received their cards, with only three days left until the campaign kicks off at home to Chesterfield.

United have released a statement in response, which explains the problem has arisen due to more than 5,000 fans having signed up for this season – a record for the Kassam Stadium.

It reads: "With demand for season tickets higher than ever it took slightly longer than usual this summer to collate all of the data and this delay with our partners at Ticket Master meant that season tickets were only posted out from Friday last week.

"This should be plenty of time for them to be delivered to all season ticket holders and many have already been received.

"With Thursday, Friday and Saturday still available as delivery slots we ask fans to be a little patient before ringing the club as the ticket office lines are already very busy with fans looking to buy match tickets for Saturday."

United hope all the season tickets arrive in time, but as a precaution, all those who could be affected have today been sent a separate match ticket for this weekend.

The statement continued: "Due to the way the tickets were sent out there is a chance that some fans may not receive their season ticket cards in time for Saturday.

"Most of these are in the South Stand Upper although a smaller number of fans could be affected in any area.

"To cover this eventuality the club has today posted a separate match ticket, by first class mail, for each season ticket holder whose season tickets may be affected.

"If you receive the single ticket please use this on Saturday, even if the season ticket arrives, as the season ticket card will not be valid.

"We apologise for any problems this may have caused in advance but look forward to seeing you all on Saturday for what should be a fantastic occasion."