TWO of the region’s football teams are due to square up to each other in a court room instead of a football pitch.

The future of Billingham Town Football Club is in the balance after Hartlepool United issued a writ in connection with debts of £10,443.97.

The non-league football club is facing possible closure if a neighbouring professional club wins its application for a winding-up order.

The writ was taped to the gates of Billingham’s Bedford Terrace ground.

Fans are expected to hold a silent protest when the two clubs come face to face in Middlesbrough County Court on Wednesday morning.

And supporters of other Northern League clubs have been asked to show their support for the club’s plight.

Guisborough Town official John Butterfield said: “I just wanted to show some solidarity with another Northern League club. I’ve got no affinity with Billingham Town whatsoever, but I just feel that everyone in the League should support them in whatever way possible.

“I must stress this is not in any way a protest against Hartlepool but a show of support for a fellow league club.”

The move was welcomed by Billingham Town secretary Glenn Youngman, who said: “All the support we can get for the hearing is much appreciated.”

If Billingham lose the decision the club could be facing eviction from its ground.