Darryl Eales hopes Oxford United’s success in front of a capacity crowd has convinced some casual supporters to come back on a more regular basis.

The 3-2 win against Swansea City in the Emirates FA Cup was watched by 11,673, almost exactly 5,000 higher than their average gate in Sky Bet League Two.

They were treated to an enthralling third round tie and Eales is keen to see a bounce in attendance when Bristol Rovers visit in the league on Sunday.

United’s executive chairman said: “My plea is why don’t all 10,000 come next week.

“We’ve all got a part to play in saying come on, get down here.

“Lots of people I’ve met have said they’re coming next week.”

Although Appleton claimed he did not feel the nerves on the touchline, the same could not be said in the directors’ box, where Eales was biting his fingernails.

He said: “In a funny sort of way when we went 3-1 up, that’s when the tension kicked in because then you thought ‘we might throw this away’.

“But when it went to 3-2 we still continued to play.

“I’ve got to say that was close to the most enjoyable game of football I’ve ever watched.”