Lower league side Southend United have been handed a final stay of execution.

The National League have also deducted ten points from the club's total for this season.

Southend are struggling to pay their bills and have over £275,000 in debt still outstanding.

Judge Sebastian Prentis started in the High Court in the UK: “If this was not a football club with the attachment of its fans, I would be winding you up today.

“You will be wound up on the next date if it's not sorted."

Southend are facing their 18th winding-up petition since 2009, with the club consistently struggling to stay financially afloat.