RYAN Ledson has a simple message for Oxford United supporters nervous about the run-in: trust the players to get the job done.

Oldham Athletic visit the Kassam Stadium today knowing a win would drag the U’s firmly into the heart of the relegation battle in Sky Bet League One.

United have produced some good football at times in recent games, but a total of eight points from the last 12 games needs improving urgently.

But Ledson sees the next eight days, when they have three home fixtures in a row, as a big chance to end the worries for good.

The midfielder said: “We need five or six points until we’re safe and we’ve got seven games left.

“A big win on Saturday or Tuesday would be brilliant.

“People just need to relax and let the lads play.

“Trust us, the results will come. I think the performances have been there, we’ve just been a little unlucky.

“It’s in our hands and the three home games are massive.

“They are games we can win and as long as we keep picking up points then slowly but surely we’ll get safe.”

The high stakes have the potential to create a tense atmosphere at the Kassam Stadium this afternoon.

But boss Karl Robinson admits that he has been surprised by how positive the support has been since taking charge last month.

And the head coach thinks anyone who struggles to play at the Kassam Stadium can forget about going on to play at a higher level.

He said: “You hear grumbles, but come on. If the players can’t handle that they can’t tell me they want to go and play in the Championship.

“If you can’t play here you can’t play anywhere, it’s as fair a crowd as you’re going to get.

“It baffles me how we all want praise, but criticism can’t be accepted.

“You have to take the two in exactly the same vein.

“The fans here have been excellent, they clapped the players off after a 1-1 draw with Scunth- orpe.

“The players are very lucky, because it’s an educated fanbase who have been around the block many times with their club and have probably seen worse days than today.”