Oxford United are bidding for their first double of the season when they take on Northampton Town at Sixfields tomorrow.

But they are expecting a tough battle.

In United’s last three games, their opponents have each had the opportunity to chalk up a double against them, but haven’t managed it.

The U’s have seen off Torquay, Aldershot and Bradford on a run of three successive wins, and six wins from the last seven matches.

And in three of those victories, Oxford have come from behind, which shows the spirit and character in the side.

Back on October 23, United beat the Cobblers 3-1 at the Kassam Stadium, the only occasion so far this season that they have managed more than two goals at home in the league.

Manager Chris Wilder recalled: “We had a real tight game against Northampton.

“Josh Payne got our noses in front just before half-time.

“They chucked the kitchen sink at us in the second half, but we stayed firm. It was a good three points for us. We had to really grind it out.”

Oxford will be boosted by the backing of more than 1,600 fans cheering them on at one of their near-neighbours.

“Knowing the support we’re taking it will be a great atmosphere,” Wilder said. “We’re expecting a real tough game.

“They’re a side that can put together a run of four, five or six wins on the bounce and push themselves right at the table.

“It’s going to be a real tight game, but we’re in decent nick, there’s a good deal of confidence in the players, and they’ve got the bit between their teeth.”

United are just a point behind the play-off positions now.

And with games coming thick and fast – they face Shresbury and Southend on successive Tuesdays – teams have the chance of gathering points quickly.

James Constable said: “The run-in always seems to go quite quick, after Christmas, we’re on a good little run of form at present and we’re desperate for that to continue.

“It’s a nice position to be in after a bad couple of weeks, to be back in that winning sort of feeling.

“And it makes a difference in training when you’re winning and looking forward to matches.

“At this stage of the season, especially after having games off around Christmas and with the run we’re on, we’re just looking forward to every game, whoever we’re coming up against.

“It’s going to be a tough week, we’ve got three games, and we’ll just be trying to get maximum points from each game.”

But isn’t it true that players prefer to play Saturday, Tuesday, Satur-day rather than have a week training between weekend games?

“The lads on the inside probably prefer it, but the lads on the outside maybe not,” he said.

“It’s a chance for everybody to get a game, I think, with a lot of games coming up, and a chance for the lads on the outside who can come in and hopefully do well and try to get their place back.”