DARRYL Eales has urged Oxford United supporters to get up the M6 and be part of a special atmosphere in what could be a memorable away day at Carlisle United on Saturday.

More than 1,200 tickets have already been sold, making it comfortably the largest away contingent for a league game at Brunton Park this season – surpassing Portsmouth’s 935.

All will travel hoping to see Michael Appleton’s men clinch automatic promotion, if results go their way, but they will be certain of a pre-match lift.

Eales is laying on a free hot dog and drink at the Magpie Inn, just round the corner from the ground.

It is a gesture of gratitude from the U’s chairman to the away fans, who have witnessed a club record 13 league wins this season.

And he had a message to anyone undecided about whether to make the trip on Saturday.

“Anyone who is wavering, I would say ‘get up that M6, come and have a quick beer and a hot dog and enjoy a fantastic atmosphere with a set of magnificent fans’,” he said.

“It might encourage a few more to go, because I think the atmosphere at the pub will be absolutely fantastic and make it a proper day out, because it’s a hell of a journey to Carlisle.

"It should mean people get there early, have a couple of beers and then get to the ground early as well.

“Obviously it’s all about the game, but I think it’s just a small gesture from myself and the club to say thank you for our absolutely brilliant away support.”

United are predicting the final tally of those making the 544-mile round trip could be well over 1,500.

It would tip the club’s average away crowd in Sky Bet League Two this season over the 1,000 mark and the attendance on the terrace will be swelled by their board members.

Eales has watched several away games this season in among the U’s fans and will be joined by the rest of the directors making the trip.

He said: “I think the one thing about being in the directors’ box to some extent is it does constrain the level of partisanship you can demonstrate.

“I think Saturday is definitely going to be a day for being partisan.”

The address of the Magpie Inn is Victoria Road, Carlisle, CA1 2UE.