OXFORD United’s bid to bring safe standing to the Kassam Stadium has taken a step forward.

The club’s ‘Ox-Rails’ system was put to the test under scrutiny of engineers, brought in to see if the idea could be supported practically.

United would like to bring in areas – no earlier than the 2019/20 season however – that would allow people to stand safely during games.

A three-hour test saw, among other things, sight lines checked to ensure nobody’s view was impeded by the rail, which will be placed along the back of the existing seating, allowing fans to move about.

“It was good to start the testing and fantastic to see that things work so well,” said United’s head of crowd safety Ian Mixter.

“There is an adjustment or two to be made, because it was always planned as a temporary build at this stage.

“We will look at what needs to be done, talk to the relevant people and hopefully keep refining and adjusting until we have a system that everyone is happy with.

“We believe it will make Oxford United one of the leaders in allowing supporters to enjoy a safer matchday experience at the Kassam Stadium.”