SAM Long says having the experience of a promotion push in the dressing room will be crucial to Oxford United as they once again eye a play-off place.

For the third consecutive season under Karl Robinson, United find themselves in the middle of a scrap to gain promotion from Sky Bet League One.

In the 2019/20 season, which was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic, the U’s beat Portsmouth on penalties in the semi-finals of the play-offs, to set up a Wembley final against Wycombe Wanderers.

United dominated possession but lost 2-1, with a Joe Jacobson penalty breaking U’s hearts as the game entered the final 10 minutes.

Last season, United were beaten 6-3 on aggregate by Blackpool in the semi-finals, with the Lancashire side then achieving promotion by defeating Lincoln City.

Those experiences will serve the U’s well in the run-in this campaign, says Long.

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“There are a lot of players in the building that are experienced to the situation we’re in,” the defender said.

“It’ll be the same in other dressing rooms in the league.

“If we focus on ourselves and don’t focus on anyone else, we’ll be alright.

“We did that last year and we managed to get in.

“We’re in a much better position, I know we’ve got a lot of tough games coming up towards the end of the season and we’ve got to be ready for all of them.”

Robinson’s side has been boosted in recent weeks by big crowds at the Kassam Stadium, none more so than the last game against Ipswich Town, which was the largest of the season, with an attendance of 11,029.

Long said: “It’s incredible really. I’ve been here since we were in the Conference and were getting quite low gates.

“I’m not sure whether it’s from last year when no-one was allowed to come, but especially in the last two months, it’s really helped us.

“Against Portsmouth, you could really feel it and it does make a difference to the team and the atmosphere around the ground.

“It makes teams not enjoy coming here even more.”

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Off the pitch events have also contributed to a feel good factor around the club, with Long highlighting the example of the proposed stadium move.

Last week, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet authorised officers to enter detailed discussions with the U’s about leasing land at Stratfield Brake, south of Kidlington.

The matter was discussed by members for a second time, having been deferred in January to allow time for a four-week public consultation.

“I genuinely believe there’s a more united feel to the group and the club,” said Long.

“As long as that stays as it is at the moment, I think we’ll be more than capable to keep going.

“The news we’ve had recently with the potential move is really good for the club.

“As long as we stick together, it’s only good things and positive things for the future.”