IF the entire season has been building up to tomorrow’s climax, then one of the biggest lessons learned by Oxford United came on the opening day.

Michael Appleton’s side will put nearly a year’s work on the line when they step out against Wycombe Wanderers at the Kassam Stadium tomorrow.

With Sky Bet League One just 90 minutes away if they win, no-one in yellow should be short of motivation.

Instead, Appleton will emphasise to his players the importance of staying calm in what could be an intense afternoon.

If he needs an example, it came on August 8 and the 1-1 opening day draw at home to Crawley Town.

The U’s boss said: “We just have to make sure the players don’t get too hyped up.

“The first game of the season was a great example.

“We had worked ever so hard all pre-season and got ourselves into fantastic shape.

“Me included as well as some of the players got a bit too up for the game and we forgot to play.

“We just have to be mindful of the fact it’s Wycombe.

“There will be a big crowd, it’s a big game, but don’t let that distract us from the fact we just have to do the same things we’ve done all season that have been good to us.”

One element in United’s favour is they have been practising for tomorrow throughout the campaign.

Three days after the draw with Crawley, they ripped Brentford apart 4-0 in the Capital One Cup.

Since then they have not been short of big occasions – from knocking Swansea City out of the FA Cup to impressing, if falling just short, against Barnsley at Wembley in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final.

Even the last two games, 2-0 wins against Hartlepool and Carlisle, came against a backdrop of pressure to keep their place in the top three.

After so many dress rehearsals, Appleton is confident his side will perform when it really matters, whatever is thrown in their path.

“We’ve had some big games here this season and this is just going to be another one,” he said.

“The players are aware of that and they want to make sure they finish the job off.

“You can sense there’s a focus about them.

“Up until this point the lads have had a fantastic season and as a club we can be very proud of what we’ve achieved over 45 games.

“I just hope they get the opportunity to end the season on a high.

“I’m also realistic to know that anything can happen – a poor refereeing decision, a slip – at any time.

“I’ve just got to keep the players focused and in a mindset where whatever is put in front of them they can deal with it.”