NATIONAL League South outfit Gosport Borough yesterday had a second winding-up petition thrown out by HM Revenue & Customs at a high court hearing in London.

It was the club's second winding-up petition in three months following one handed out in August, which was also dismissed.

A Freedom Of Information request did, however, find that the club fell behind on its Privett Park rent on a number of occasions during September and October.

Club chairman Mark Hook, also leader of Gosport Borough Council, said: "Like other businesses, we have cash flow problems due to various reasons and may miss direct debit payments now and again.

"Our tax was due on September 19 and we got the high court writ on October 6 - 17 days is not a long time.

"We always ensure that we catch up - there are a lot of other businesses that do not and that is when we have a problem.

"We are aware of our responsibilities and now want to focus on football."

Borough, currently 14th in the NL South, return to action this Saturday at Hungerford Town in the FA Trophy third qualifying round.