Chester City have been expelled from the Conference following a vote by club chairmen earlier today. The Seals, owned by Steven Vaughan Junior, son of Steven Vaughan who allegedly has links to Merseyside gangsters, have been a basket case for some time; they failed to fulfil their game at Forest Green Rovers two weeks ago when their players refused to travel, being owed three-months' wages, and their home game against local rivals Wrexham had to be postponed after the police refused to be present following non-payment of bills for previous games.

It was thought by many that a lot of Conference clubs would vote according to their self-interest, as many teams have taken maximum points from Chester or would possibly be facing a side comprising youth team players, like Weymouth last season. However, the board stipulated that the clubs should vote according to footballing principles, especially looking at whether Chester would be able to fulfil the remainder of their fixtures this season. Surprisingly, common sense prevailed. While one must spare a thought for Chester's players, who will find themselves unemployed if, as expected, the club is wound up, and for Chester's supporters, it should be remembered that the main voice of their fans, City Fans United, supported the Conference Board's recommendation to expel the club because of the way it had been run into the ground by the Vaughans. At least now they have the opportunity to form a phoenix club, possibly playing at their council-owned Deva stadium, and start again in time for next season, albeit several layers down the Pyramid.

What this means for Oxford United is that, first and foremost, tomorrow's game at the Deva will obviously not now take place. United will also lose the three points and four goals gained from their 4-0 win over Chester back on 18 August, and James Constable's hat-trick will be stricken from the records. In terms of the league table, United will now go six points clear at the top ahead of Stevenage Borough, although they will lose their game in hand over Stevenage, who have already beaten Chester twice this season. York City also lose three points (and Richard Brodie also loses his hat-trick), while Luton Town, who somehow only managed to draw twice with Chester, both times 0-0, lose two points and now have one game in hand over Oxford. [@opponent]chester city[/@opponent][@connection]chester city[/@connection]

United's next game will now be on Tuesday 2 March, at Cambridge United, followed the day after by the Oxfordshire Senior Cup semi-final against Oxford City, at Court Place Farm.