by Steve Tervet

Ebbsfleet United have been given a stay of execution after making a "significant payment" to creditors.

It comes after the struggling team were told they faced a winding-up order if they couldn't pay £37,000 to HM Revenue & Customs by midday today.

The club’s supporters’ trust – the Fleet Trust – were told about the situation at a meeting on Saturday.

Fleet chairman Jessica McQueen (pictured right) last week warned fans that time was running out to save the club.

But this afternoon Ms McQueen said a sum had been paid to HMRC.

She said: " It's money from the Fleet Trust, the clubs owners (My football Club) and money from the club's own bank account.

"By nine this morning an online appeal by fans of the club also raised £2,000.

"We will continue working with HMRC until they give a deadline."

She said the full amount would have to be paid when a deadline was given.

It comes as a takeover proposal from Spanish investor Carlos Kabir Karani is being considered after MyFootballClub last week voted to transfer ownership of the club after five years in charge.

But future plans for the club have been swamped by unpaid bills which have left its very existence hanging in the balance.

MyFC are in the process of handing over their 75% shareholding, with 50% going to the Fleet Trust and 25% to Fleet director Phil Sonsara.

The remaining 25% is held by a group of minority shareholders including former Ebbsfleet chairmen Brian Kilcullen and Duncan Holt.

In a statement, the Trust said on Saturday: “The Fleet Trust board attended a meeting at the club today where we were informed that if £37,000 is not paid to HMRC by 12pm on Monday they will apply for a winding-up order.

“The more money we can raise, the better position we can put the club in to attempt to negotiate on Monday.

“All money will be ring-fenced for these negotiations. If a payment scheme can be agreed and the threat of the winding-up order removed, then the money will be passed to HMRC.

“The Fleet Trust would like to thank all supporters for their continued efforts. This is a massive challenge and we ask you all to dig deep and help however you can.”

Donations can be made via the Trust’s website: http://fleet-trust.co.uk/donate-now.php

See more sports stories in our special sports section