TALK of must-win games is usually dismissed out of hand at this stage of the season, but as far as Michael Appleton is concerned Oxford United have played two, won two.

The decision to set a target of eight points from every five games – and make it public knowledge – means the final fixture in each block can feel like a fork in the road.

Tuesday’s trip to York City was one, along with the fifth fixture of the campaign, at home to Yeovil Town in August.

On both occasions only a win would have kept United on track, adding pressure to a run-of-the-mill game.

The fact the side claimed three points in each is encouraging for the U’s boss.

“Definitely, that’s why we designed it that way,” he said.

“I think it’s been great we’ve had that added pressure in certain games because it almost gets rid of that acceptance of certain results.

“At times last season maybe we would’ve been happy with a point at York, whereas the other night I can assure you at half-time there was a lot said.

“It was all positive, but not for one second was there an acceptance of ‘we’ll take a point’.

“Everything we spoke about was on winning the game.”

He added: “There’s nothing wrong with pressure – it’s a good thing as long as you can control it and understand it.”

The third batch of five games starts at Accrington Stanley tomorrow.

Always among the clubs tipped in pre-season to go down, the Lancashire club have a habit of punching above their weight.

But Stanley have surprised even themselves with their best start since the 1950s and they will be aiming for a fifth win on the bounce tomorrow.

Appleton reckons it makes the hosts favourites for the game, which is a scenario he welcomes.

He said: “Definitely and any manager who tells you differently is a liar.

“They would be going in expecting to win it, but that’s good because we will have the same frame of mind.

“I want them to come into the game full of confidence, because they’ll have a right go at us. That’s what we want.”

The club’s decision to stay in the north after the York game meant they had a free day together on Wednesday to spend together.

Perhaps with the nerve-jangling game at Bootham Crescent still fresh in their minds, the staff headed for Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

Appleton, who will sample the other Big One for the first time when United meet Swindon Town on Tuesday, prefers his rollercoasters to be the 90-minute variety.

“It certainly made me feel more sick,” he said.

“Doing them two or three times on the trot is not a good idea.”