JAKE Wright has called on all those connected with Oxford United to give everything for the cause today in a clash the skipper admits they dare not lose.

The club have come out fighting this week in response to slipping within four points of the Sky Bet League Two relegation zone.

They have the chance to ease the pressure this afternoon, when fellow strugglers Mansfield Town visit the Kassam Stadium.

And Wright had a clear message for supporters ahead of the game.

“I know it’s been really difficult for them because we haven’t given them much to cheer about at home and I totally understand that,” he said.

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“But they need to try and help get us winning.

“Try and stick behind us for 90 minutes, give us everything and we’ll try to give them everything we’ve got to hopefully give them something to cheer about.

“We know where we are and we’re not hiding from the fact we’re in a real battle.

“We’re all ready to do something about it.”

Wright felt the 1-0 defeat to Accrington Stanley was a wake-up call for the squad, which was increased with a 2-0 loss at Burton Albion last Saturday.

Mansfield, managed by ex-U’s midfielder Adam Murray, arrive on the back of taking four points from home games against Northampton Town and Luton Town, which has seen them leapfrog United.

Wright believes it is a clash the hosts should be well capable of winning, but stressed whatever happens today would not be decisive.

He said: “They’ve picked up some good points recently.

“They will be full of confidence, but it’s a team we should be beating.”

He added: “It’s a massive game for us, but it doesn’t define your season.

“It’s a game which, for me, we can’t lose.

“It’s one we should be winning, but in the worst case scenario if we did lose it doesn’t mean we’re going to get relegated.

“It just means we’d have 14 games left to sort it out.”