The Football Association to investigate National League North fixture

The Football Association is said to be investigating suspicious betting patterns ahead of the game in the National League North between Stalybridge Celtic and Boston United.

On the last day of the season, Boston registered a 5-0 win away from home, with Stalybridge resting three first-team regulars with their mid-table position in the standings already secured.

However, both clubs have expressed their surprise after the FA launched an investigation into betting patterns that occurred ahead of the match on April 30.

A Stalybridge spokesman told the Daily Mail: "We were shocked to hear of the allegations, which we categorically deny.

"We will obviously offer our full cooperation to the FA in the event of any investigation and have been advised by them to say no more at this stage."

A spokesman for Boston is quoted by the same publication as saying: "The allegations have come as a surprise. We've had no formal notification from the FA."

The result secured a playoff position for Boston but they were unable to earn promotion after falling to defeat to North Ferriby United in the semi-finals.