Oxford United fans have revealed their delight at the prospect of a mouth-watering FA cup tie against Premiership team Sunderland.

If the U’s beat AFC Barrow away next Tuesday, December 8, they will land a third round tie against the North East team, who are currently sitting eighth in the top division.

Sunderland boast a 49,000-seater stadium and international players like Darren Bent, Boudewijn Zenden and Craig Gordon. The draw was made yesterday.

The U’s could only manage a 1-1 draw with Barrow at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday, and now have to make the 250-mile journey to Cumbria for the replay.

Trevor Lambert, chairman of Oxford United supporters club OxVox, said it was a “fantastic” draw.

He said: “There is a small matter of the Barrow replay, and we don’t want to get excited, but it is very exciting.

“This draw will certainly add spice to the replay.”

Tim Rackley, 42, landlord of the Priory pub next to the Kassam Stadium, said: “Who knows what could happen against Sunderland on a cold winter’s night?

“That is the joy of the FA cup — anything can happen.”

William Wilmott, of Kidlington, who has been supporting the U’s since 1962, said: “It is a fabulous draw.

“I have been up to Sunderland for matches on a couple of occasions and it is a great place to visit.”