1874 NORTHWICH will share Winsford United’s Barton Stadium home for another season after the club’s board voted unanimously in favour of an option to stay.

Members were told during Thursday’s annual meeting a move to Witton Albion next year had been considered, only to be ruled out for now.

“Some people will be happy about that, others disappointed,” said chairman Paul Stockton.

“We promised at the outset we’d be prudent about what we do, and that hasn’t changed.

“When discussions with Witton first took place two years ago, the price we were quoted to play there was considerably higher than the one we agreed with Winsford.

“Back then we had no idea how many people would come through the gate to watch us play, so couldn’t take a risk.”

He said contact with Albion chairman Mark Harris had been made twice this year, most recently at the start of the current campaign.

However those talks never progressed to negotiating the cost of a ground share.

“That doesn’t mean conversations between the clubs can’t happen in the future,” said 1874 board member James Wood.

“The deal with Winsford is for one more season. After that we’re ruling nothing in or out.”

1874 had to notify the football authorities by the end of last week whether they wish to be considered for promotion from the North West Counties League this term.

Before kick-off at Stockport Sports last night, Tuesday, Ian Street’s men were fourth in the table.

Leaders Runcorn Linnets were 16 points better off, but have played six more matches.

Stockton and Mark Loveless, his counterpart at Winsford United, signed the new ground-share agreement last Tuesday.

He said 1874 will pay the same rent as previously.