Exeter City is appealing against the points deduction by the Conference

The Devon club faces the penalty from the Nationwide Conference as a result of its recent financial problems.

But the Devon club's new regime says its current debts were run up by the previous administration and the punishment is unfair.

They are now seeking the help of Sports Minister Richard Caborn and hope he will put pressure on the Conference to change their mind.

Mr Caborn has met the Exeter City Supporters' Trust, which is now running the club.

Huge debts

The club was relegated from the Football League on the final day of last season.

Since then, it has limped from one crisis to another.

Last month, faced with debts of more than �3m, the club thrashed out a Corporate Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) - agreeing to pay its creditors just 10% of what they are owed to save the club from being wound up.

But Conference bosses voted in a rule at the start of the season that any club entering into a CVA would be docked 12 points as a punishment.

If the penalty takes place, it would be a devastating blow for Exeter, who have made an excellent start to the season and have a real chance of being promoted back to the Football League.