The club had earlier issued a statement denying being formally served with a winding up petition by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs in respect of disputed tax payments -- and their mood was not helped after a thrashing that left them still bottom of the table by four points.

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HMRC, which had sought a winding-up petition, said administration "offers the best chance of the club surviving".

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Hugo Groves, representing the club, asked for the adjournment of a winding-up petition by HM Revenue and Customs.

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