Hornets league opener in jeopardy

Rochdale Hornets' opening league fixture will not go ahead unless the club can stave off a winding up order from the Inland Revenue.

Hornets are due to travel to Workington Town for their opening league game of the campaign on 22 March but first they must convince the High Court of its financial position at a hearing on 14 January.

The club has been served a winding-up order for £55,000 by the Inland Revenue and total debts have spiralled to £190,000.

Hornets are seeking support from local businesses and Rochdale Council to help the club survive, while supporters have set up a facebook group asking for £1 donations to help the club start the season and prevent them from going out of business.