THE fiery nature of Oxford United’s meeting with Swindon Town last season came as a surprise, admits John Lundstram.

The midfielder, who will captain the side in tomorrow’s derby, got his first taste last October when the teams met in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

Although teammates had told him about the fixture, which the U’s won 2-0, Lundstram was caught off-guard by the intensity of the rivalry.

He said: “Definitely, I didn’t think it would be like that.

“It was one of the best atmospheres I’ve played in, so I’m going to be expecting the same on Saturday.

“I was taken aback at first, but now I’m fully aware of what it means, so I’m fully up for it.”

Last season’s game was also a first for Lundstram’s partner in central midfield, Liam Sercombe, who said: “They’re the best games – every player would say the same.

“It was a fantastic atmosphere against Swindon last year and that’s exactly what we want again.

“It will be mentioned around the training ground.

“As soon as you say ‘it’s a derby game’ everyone knows what it means. Everyone will be right up for it.”