Oxford United fans, already angry over the late call-off at Shrewsbury on Saturday, have suffered another setback.

U's followers who bought tickets for the postponed New Year's Day game at Rushden but can't go on the rearranged date of February 5 have now been told they won't get their money back.

The Northamptonshire club operate a no refunds policy.

But United secretary Mick Brown has been in negotations with Rushden officials, pleading with them to use common sense.

There are many Oxford fans who would have been able to go to the game on the Bank Holiday afternoon of January 1, and some who did go before learning it was off because of a frozen pitch, who will not be able to go on a Tuesday night next month.

Rushden announced: "Tickets purchased for the original match remain valid.

"In accordance with the terms and conditions published on the reverse of every match ticket, refunds will not be issued.

"However, supporters who are unable to attend the new date are being offered the opportunity to exchange their tickets for another Nationwide League Division 3 match at Nene Park this season."

Watching another match at Rushden is not much use to Oxford United followers, but the Football League say that, although what they are doing is unusual, Rushden are not breaking any rules by ordering no refunds.

Brown said: "Clearly, on their tickets it says no refunds, but I am in negotations with the Rushden secretary and hope to be able to announce something shortly."

United would have taken around 1,100 fans to Nene Park last week, but Brown believes there will still be close to that number on the new date.

"I suspect we'll still take close to that number. It will just be different people. I have sold some today to fans who are delighted the game is on a new date because they couldn't go on January 1.

"We would do refunds in the circumstances, even though the rules here do not state that we are obliged to. Hopefully, Rushden will allow us to do that for this game."

Brown added: "I have been in contact with the Football League about this but it's not clear-cut in their regulations. Having spoken to them, though, it seems as though there will be a change in the Football League regulations in the summer."

Norman Sylla scored the goal as United Under 19s lost 2-1 in their rearranged South-west Conference game with Plymouth on Saturday. The Under 17s drew 3-3.