Boston guilty but keep League spot

Furious Dagenham & Redbridge boss Garry Hill today branded the decision not to strip Boston United of their Football League status "a mockery".

The Nationwide Conference champions were fined £100,000 and will have four points deducted in Division Three next season after a Football Association inquiry into contractual irregularities.

But Hill, whose team were pipped to the Conference title last season, said: "This decision makes a mockery of the game. I find it hard to believe a club can seek an unfair advantage, be found guilty and still be a Football League club."

Boston pleaded guilty to all charges against them but will appeal against what they claim is an "excessive" punishment.

Manager Steve Evans, who is suspended by the club, admitted four breaches of FA rules but denied four other charges.