SOUTHEND United Football Club have been given 14 days to produce evidence on a disuputed sum owed to HMRC.

The club faced the High Court in London today to contest a winding up order, but the hearing was adjourned for 28 days to allow the dispute to be resolved.

Prior to the hearing, a cluib statement said: "Supporters are aware that, following the payment of £2.15m to HMRC in November last year and on analysis of the sums (primarily including interest and surcharges), the club disputed the amount paid by circa £200,000.

"This became the subject of further, we believe wholly unnecessary, action by HMRC with them serving a Petition around Christmas and the Club submitting an Appeal to the Tribunals Service with a cross claim.

"This issue will hopefully be settled in the Club's favour - in the short term - and in the meantime, the Club continues to make payments on the dates as they fall due."