ELLIOT Lee is relishing the chance to create memories that would last a lifetime in the Sky Bet League One play-offs.

The Oxford United forward is set to line-up against Blackpool in tonight’s semi-final first leg at the Kassam Stadium (6pm).

The U’s will be watched by their own fans for the first time since December 15 as they attempt to take a lead into Friday’s return fixture at Bloomfield Road.

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Lee achieved back-to-back promotions at parent club Luton Town in 2018 and 2019, finishing second in League Two before winning the third tier the following season.

But the 26-year-old knows a play-off success would be special – particularly as United would be able to take supporters to the Wembley final.

He said: “I don’t think there’s a better way of getting promoted.

“I’ve won the league and come second and it’s a great feeling, but although it’s stressful and nerve-wracking I’m sure anyone would say the best way to get promoted is winning at Wembley with the fans there.

“Hopefully we can do it this year, but we need to beat Blackpool first.”

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Tonight’s crowd of 4,000 will be the biggest to watch the U’s since February 2020, before the coronavirus pandemic hit football.

Lee added: “It’s what we’ve all been waiting for.

“Football hasn’t been the same without the fans, they make the game what it is.

“If we’re playing well then hopefully they’ll give us an extra boost and we can get the result we want.”

The tie pits the two form teams in the play-offs against each other, while Blackpool have the best defence in the league and United the third highest-scoring attack.

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The third-placed Seasiders took maximum points from their final four games of the season, while United won six of their last seven matches, scoring 24 goals.

The U’s have played with freedom since the 2-1 Easter Monday defeat to Accrington Stanley and Lee expects the same tonight.

He said: “After we lost to Accrington we said there’s no pressure, we’ve got nothing to lose.

“That’s how we’ve been playing ever since.

“Everyone’s enjoying it, whatever happens, happens and I think that’s the attitude we have to take into the play-offs.

“Why would we change it if we’ve been winning games.”

He added: “We’re at home, we’re confident of beating anyone – they have quite a good defensive record, but we’ve got a great attacking record so I think it’ll be a great game.

“The fans and the viewers on Sky are in for a festival of football.”