Brackley Town fixture named in match fixing allegations... but Football Conference state there is ‘no evidence’ at present

However, the Football Conference - in whose structure the Saints play - say there is currently ‘no evidence’ put forward to incriminate any of their teams.

Belgium-based Federbet produce an annual report, highlighting contests around the globe which - they claim - have irregular betting patterns.

And they named Saints’ 3-2 win at St James Park in November as one of the contests which they believed had irregular wagers placed.

No further details about bets placed on this match have been made public.

The report included ten matches from the Football Conference divisions, as well as two from the League of Wales and a contest from the Women’s Premier League.

However, a statement from the Football Conference states that at present there is ‘no evidence’ that match fixing has taken place.

“The Football Conference works closely with the Football Association on all matters concerning integrity within our sport,” the statement read.

“This relationship with the Football Association includes liaison around any suspicious betting activity or patterns. “Furthermore, as part of the robust monitoring system employed in England, such liaison is conducted in conjunction with the Gambling Commission, leading betting companies and other agencies appointed by the Football Association.

“At this time there is no evidence that any of the fixtures specifically listed by Federbet, relating to our competition, have been the subject of report or investigation.

“Therefore we are at a loss to understand what evidence may exist for Federbet to make such claims?

“Federbet has not consulted with the Football Conference about making such alleged information public.”

In a statement by Brackley Town chairman Francis Oliver, he said: “I have received news of the match fixing allegation involving our match with Boston last season. As a club we have no knowledge whatsoever other than the press release. I can also confirm the Conference Board have no news either and as far as we can establish neither has the Football Association.

“If any evidence is produced in the future and we are contacted by the relevant football authorities, we would of course fully co-operate with their enquiries.”

Mr Oliver also used the statement to tell fans about the recent player departures, which include fan favourites Glenn Walker and Steve Diggin signing for Skrill North side Hednesford Town and Billy Turley and Owen Story deciding not to re-sign. Eddie Nisevic has also left the club.

Mr Oliver added: “Our players are high profile ones who through our success has meant they are wanted by many clubs and as has been seen we have been unable to compete to keep some here.

“No other news is available on existing players at the time of writing as Jon is still engaging them along with lots of other players. We hope to be in a position to announce some signings old and new next week,

“We would as always like to thank all the players who have decided to leave for all their efforts whilst at the club.”