Supporters group OxVox have hit back at claims by the Conference that they have received “unwarranted abuse” from football trusts unhappy at the way they have conducted their internal review.

The review into the organisation and procedures at the Birmingham office, carried out by one of the Conference’s own sub-committees, could find nothing wrong.

It was set up after four different clubs – Oxford United, Crawley Town, Mansfield Town and Bognor Regis – had points docked for fielding unregistered players.

In a statement, Conference chairman Brian Lee said: “The Board of Directors recognise that they have a hard-working and committed staff in the Birmingham office who have received an unfair amount of criticism, over the last few months.

“The Football Conference has also received negative communications and in some cases unwarranted abuse via supporters trusts. These groups have been unaware of all the facts and the legal implications both of clubs complying with the rules and the absolute obligation of the Board applying the same.

“Communications of this sort does nothing for the game we all love or the clubs they support.”

The Oxford United supporters trust’s spokesman, Mark Sennett, responded: “We reject any allegation from the Conference that it has received 'unwarranted abuse' from OxVox. All of our communication with the Conference is available in the public domain via our website for everyone to judge.”

The review sub-committee said it was ‘satisfied that all the necessary office systems are in place’.

But Mansfield Town chairman Andy Perry said: “We do not find this statement acceptable.

“By changing their procedures from checking teamsheets randomly to each match shows they are acknowleding there is a problem.

“We want to make it clear to all Mansfield Town fans that we have written two letters to Brian Lee regarding the points issue and have been working hard behind the scenes to advance this issue.

“As a governing body their role is to check that the rules are adhered to and that their procedures are correct.”