The Football Conference today announced that Chester City (2004) FC have not lodged any appeal in respect of their removal from the competition, therefore their playing record has been expunged with immediate effect.

A new calculated table is being circulated via the Press Association this afternoon as the official record to be used by all the media and member clubs from this date - the effects will take a while to filter through on the table on www.thediamondsfc.com, as this is updated by the press association.

Due to the fact that ALL goals involved in those matches played to date are also expunged, it means that those players having scored goals in matches against Chester City in the Blue Square Premier also see them expunged from the record books.

This is to maintain fairness and consistency in relation to the player winning the "Golden Boot" award at the end of the season in the Blue Square Premier. Goals scored in FA Cup or FA Trophy ties are not so affected and will remain in those competitions.

Rushden & Diamonds currently lie in 3rd place on 62 points - having played 34 games, so the Diamonds points total will become 59 points after 33 games.

The Diamonds should remain in third place, despite the loss of three points. Stevenage (-6) and Oxford (-3) swap places at the top, whilst York (-3) drop just outside the playoff places, to be replaced by Kettering (-0), with Luton (-2) remaining in 5th place.

Obviously the Diamonds game against Chester scheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday 9th March 2010) has been cancelled.