DORCHESTER Town have avoided an appearance in court tomorrow after reaching an agreement with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) over an unpaid tax bill.

The Magpies were issued with a winding up petition last month having defaulted on one instalment of an arranged payment plan with HMRC – over an inherited tax debt from the previous regime.

The case was due to be heard tomorrow at the Royal Courts of Justice but the county town club have received a three-month stay of execution.

Vice-chairman and club secretary David Martin explained: “The club and Revenue & Customs have agreed details for a validation order and this means that the petition will be deferred for a period of up to three months.

“During that period there will be an instalment plan to pay the small amount of arrears owing.

“If the club make the payments on the agreed dates then the petition will be dismissed at the end of the three-month period.

“One of the requirements of the court and Revenue & Customs was that we provided a cash flow forecast to show we could meet the terms of the agreement, which we have done.

“Around one third of Conference clubs have arrangements in place with Revenue & Customs so it’s not unusual.

“Hopefully this news will help put people’s minds at rest while we can get on with running the football club.”

The Magpies continue their preparations for the new season with a trip to Zamaretto Division One South & West side Sholing – formerly VT FC – this evening (7.45pm).

With a friendly game against Poole Town scheduled for Thursday night as well, boss Ashley Vickers is expected to make full use of the players at his disposal over the next two matches.

Assistant Phil Simkin said: “Having spoken to Ash I think his intention is to field a full-strength side from the start tonight.

“I know Sholing very well from my time in the Wessex League and they are a very well-run club, so it will be a good game for us.

“I’m sure other players will get some time on the pitch tonight but the intention is to start with a strong side.”