A FOOTBALL club that cannot play home matches because of subsidence is asking league bosses to reverse some of its fixtures.

Tow Law Town can only play away games until repairs are carried out at its Ironworks Road ground. Contractors drilled boreholes in the pitch on Monday and the club expects a report by the end of the week.

If old mineworkings are found to be the cause of the problem, the Coal Authority has pledged to meet restoration bills, which could run into thousands of pounds.

Otherwise, the club may have to pay for the work, and could go out of business.

Club officials agreed this week to ask the Albany Northern League to reverse some fixtures so that home matches planned for the early part of the season are played away.

The other option is to accept an offer from Evenwood FC to share its ground.

Assistant secretary Steve Moralee said: "We are waiting for a report on the pitch and should know more by Friday."