Johnny Mullins says the spine-tingling atmosphere in midweek has only increased Oxford United’s hunger to stay in the promotion mix to get more big occasions.

The U’s host AFC Wimbledon this afternoon at the Kassam Stadium, scene of their memorable 2-0 win over fierce rivals Swindon Town in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy on Tuesday.

Mullins knows it would be repeated if the side can go on to have a successful season, which can only happen if they continue to pick up points.

He said: “It was a good night, but after having that feeling and that adulation you just want more of it.

“We know what we have set out to do and how we are planning to get there.

“We just want more of those occasions with that atmosphere and if we do it, we’ll achieve it together and have a good end to the season.”

He added: “We enjoyed it and people will talk about it because it was a hell of a night for everyone, but we know the main objective is Saturday.

“We know what we want to achieve and Wimbledon will be a completely different animal to Swindon and have different qualities.”

United go into the game looking for a fourth successive win in all competitions, a run they have not achieved in a single season for almost three years.

Michael Appleton’s men accordingly go into the game full of confidence, but one area which needs improvement in their otherwise strong start to the season has been finding a way to unlock teams which sit deep at the Kassam.

A fortnight ago Morecambe held on for a 0-0 draw in similar fashion to the way Crawley Town earned a point on the opening day of the season.

Wimbledon did likewise on their last visit 11 months ago, grinding out a goalless stalemate and Mullins thinks they may adopt the same game plan this time.

The Dons’ biggest goal threat, in every sense, is Adebayo Akinfenwa, but Mullins believes the U's have a plan to contain the striker.

The centre back said: “He is a difficult player to play against.

“If there are any dead ball situations it’s nigh on impossible to get around him.

“He will probably win quite a few of his flick-ons, so we’ll have to manage how we stop that and deal with the runners, but I’m sure we’ll be OK.”