OXFORD United are facing the prospect of clocking up more than 1,200 miles in ten days after their FA Cup tie at Gateshead was rearranged.

After Wednesday night’s first round reply was washed out an hour before kick-off, the U’s will again make the 500-mile round trip to Tyneside on Thursday, December 5.

It comes after the visit to Fleetwood Town on the previous Saturday – a 400-mile return journey.

And if United beat Gateshead they will be on the road to Wrexham four days later in the second round.

Chris Wilder, whose side’s stellar unbeaten away record has taken them top of the Sky Bet League Two table, approved of the rearranged date.

While the amount of travelling is not ideal, the U’s boss is confident the squad will handle the challenge.

“We’ve done more than OK on the road. The schedule is tough, but we’ll get on with it,” he said.

“We’re still alive and kicking in the FA Cup and we’ll meet it head on.

“Having the game on the Thursday fits for us, with the second round game being on the Monday.

“So if we do get through, it’s the same as playing on Tuesday and Saturday.

“It also gives us a few more days after a tough game at Fleetwood.”

The good news for United is they will not be out of pocket.

With the game postponed there was some doubt whether BT Sport, who were all set to screen Wednesday’s game live, would cover the rearranged fixture.

It meant both clubs could have lost out on the £33,750 broadcast fee, but the network confirmed yesterday the cameras would return to the International Stadium.

The club’s travel and accommodation costs will also be covered by Gateshead.

United’s supporters who made the long, fruitless trek to the north east on the official coaches will be eligible for a reduction if they attend the game on December 5.

Prices have been halved, with full details on the club’s website.