MICHAEL Appleton has warned Oxford United fans to strap themselves in for a rollercoaster final third of the season.

And the U’s head coach says the last week goes to show the twists and turns that lie ahead on the long run-in.

Despite not playing on Saturday, United’s automatic promotion hopes were boosted by defeats for Portsmouth and Accrington Stanley.

However, Appleton’s side were unable to take full advantage on Tuesday night when an 89th-minute equaliser saw Mansfield Town hold the U’s to a frustrating 2-2 draw at the Kassam Stadium.

United still occupy third spot in Sky Bet League Two, but the teams below them are beginning to bunch, with only eight points separating fourth-placed Mansfield and Exeter in 13th.

Appleton believes up to a dozen teams can challenge for the top seven and United’s bid will only be strengthened by them tripping over each other in the coming months.

He said: “I think that is a good thing – sides taking points off each other is great.

“And when we play the teams around us, those are the games if we can make sure we can take points from them they can’t obviously gain points on us elsewhere.”

Appleton added: “Saturday’s results opened it all up.

“It looked like there might have been nine teams, possibly ten, fighting for the top seven.

“Now there are probably about 14 teams who think they can finish in at least the play-off places.”

Victory over the Stags on Tuesday would have seen United open up a seven-point gap on fourth place.

Appleton’s side make the trip to Morecambe on Saturday, before back-to-back home games against league leaders Northampton Town and play-off chasing Accrington.

“There is a cushion, but there are loads of games still to play,” United’s boss said. “We have got 18 left, some teams have got 17 and 16.

“Let’s get down to the last half a dozen games or so and make sure we are in the mix. Let’s try and stay in that top three if we can and if we can’t, we won’t be far away from it.”