CHRIS Wilder has urged Oxford United supporters to recreate the atmosphere from their promotion season two years ago as the side attempt to make the most of their remaining home games.

The U’s have six of their last 11 fixtures at the Kassam Stadium, starting against Rotherham United on Saturday.

In the last home game a fortnight ago more than 11,000 fans packed in to roar United to a 2-0 victory in the derby against Swindon Town despite playing for 80 minutes with ten men following James Constable’s red card.

Wilder was delighted with the role the supporters played in inspiring his team and wants more of the same to make the most of their home advantage for the rest of the campaign.

“We have a special backing, as shown on derby day,” he said.

“I know it would be possibly difficult to replicate that, but if we have anything near that the buzz and energy the players got off that atmosphere if we have that in the last six games at home.

“They’re big games and I just think we should take advantage of the support and it will hopefully kick us on and give us that extra burst, as it so obviously did against Swindon.”

Wilder is well aware of the difference an intimidating home crowd can make.

Two seasons ago the U’s won four and drew two of their final half dozen home games to cement their spot in the Blue Square Premier play-offs on the way to promotion.

A similar haul this time around would virtually guarantee a top seven finish in May.

Wilder said: “I got that feeling two years ago when we went into the last games.

“I think we have to utilise that support to our advantage – we did the last time we got promoted.

“I’ve always said if we manage to secure a play-off spot or we’re close going into the last part of the season we’ll be a tough team to stop.”

The U’s have an added incentive to take maximum points this Saturday, because they know a defeat for the Millers would virtually end their hopes of finishing in the play-offs.

Wilder is hoping to do precisely that on Saturday afternoon, but remains wary of all the clubs in the chasing pack.

He said: “It would make it very difficult for them.

“It’s a pressure game for both sides – I’ve said before we’re looking to pull in the teams above but we’re also mindful there are good clubs below looking to do the same to us.”