OXFORD United are bidding take out their frustration when Crewe Alexandra visit tonight.

The game was due to be played ten days ago, but had to be postponed 40 minutes before kick-off due to a positive test in the visitors’ camp.

After kicking their heels over a blank weekend, the U’s then created a host of chances at Gillingham on Saturday, but lost 3-1.

Striker Sam Winnall has been impressed with the response and senses a determination in the squad to make amends this evening.

He said: “You can feel it within the camp that we’re all brewing and ready to unleash.

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“You have to give credit to everyone at the club.

“When you have a double frustration like we’ve had in terms of the Crewe game being off and then the game on Saturday, it’s so easy to get down and feel as if things are going against you.

“But the sense I get from this club is when things go against us it motivates everyone to be stronger and more resilient.

“I love that and it’s something I’m really happy to be a part of, because it suits my nature as well.”

While United were pleased the original game did not go ahead given the circumstances, there was a disappointment about having to fit an extra fixture into an already packed schedule.

For Winnall though, it is a different story.

The 29-year-old was still playing catch-up with his fitness so was not down to be in the squad to face Crewe earlier this month.

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But after making his debut as a substitute on Saturday, the former Barnsley front man is expected to feature at some stage tonight.

He said: “Selfishly, I am probably happy the game was called off.

“I wasn’t going to be involved ten days ago and now I am, so from my point of view it’s a bonus, an extra chance to get minutes under my belt.”

United were critical of Crewe’s actions on the day, in particular not informing them about the positive test until after they had arrived at the Kassam Stadium.

But Winnall does not think that will give the contest any extra edge.

He said: “Not really. Every game is the same.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a league game or a friendly, you want to win convincingly.

“That goes for training as well, you have to have an attitude that every game is the same and it’s all about winning.

“The fact the game was called off, we couldn’t control that.

“All we can control is our own reaction and everyone is raring to go and just wants to get the game played.”