Today is the day of reckoning for Billingham Town.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Town should this morning hear the verdict from a judge at Teesside County Court of the action against them by Hartlepool United, who are claiming £10,000 from Town for ground improvements and are pursuing a winding-up order.

The club is being given plenty of support by other Northern League clubs, and the case is attracting plenty of media attention, because if Town lose, then they will probably go out of business.

League chairman Mike Amos said: ““It could be the end of a great community club after almost 50 years. The bottom line is that the FA has told Town that if they’re wound up they’ll no longer be able to play football.”Supporters from other Northern League clubs are also going to stand outside the court in a show of support.