Eddie Hutchinson and Isaiah Rankin played without being registered

The Conference's review into its own procedures has found no fault with its operation after four clubs lost points for fielding unregistered players.

Chairman Brian Lee has also criticised fans' trusts for negative comments in the wake of the points deductions.

Mark Sennett, a spokesman for Oxford fans' group OxVox, said: "We reject any allegation that the Conference has received 'unwarranted abuse' from us."

They have also asked the Football Association to comment.

The review was set up after Oxford United, Crawley Town, Mansfield Town and Bognor Regis had points docked for fielding unregistered players.

Oxford United officials have been meeting to discuss their response.

The Football Conference has also received negative communications and in some cases unwarranted abuse via supporters trusts Conference chairman Brian Lee

So far Lee has not responded to requests for an interview by BBC Oxford.

In the statement, he said: "Since Mansfield Town were discovered to have played an unregistered player in the first week of the season, random checks of team sheets using a similar system to those undertaken in other Leagues, found three other clubs had also played unregistered players.

"These clubs were also dealt with in accordance to the rules.

"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 to apply the same.

"The review sub-committee are satisfied that all the necessary office systems are in place, but will continue to monitor and observe any new procedures being developed in the national game that will further enhance the operations of our competition and the communications with our clubs, supporters and partners."

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