Web abuse not key to Stewart move

Merritt says Stewart left to play regular first-team football

Oxford City have denied striker Alex Stewart quit the club after receiving personal abuse on the internet.

Stewart, who scored 12 goals for City this season, left the club to join Burnham and made his debut in Saturday's 2-1 loss to Paulton Rovers.

City boss Justin Merritt said: "I don't think he was happy with some of the things that were said, but there were a few factors."

He added: "The main reason was that he wanted to be guaranteed to play."

Stewart had helped City into second in the Southern League's Division One South and West, but had received criticism for his performances on internet forums.