1874 NORTHWICH will hire Witton Albion’s ground again as they try to clear a backlog of games between now and the end of the season.

They announced on Monday that North West Counties League fixtures against Runcorn Town and Northwich Victoria will be played at Wincham Park.

The first of those is on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.

“It’s something we’ve been considering a little while,” said vice-chairman Brian Edge.

“There is plenty to plan, and we need the agreement of the league and Witton as well as the blessing of our friends at Winsford United – who of course are our landlords.”

1874 still have a minimum of 31 games in all competitions to play this season, and only 12 weeks to fit them in.

Most of those are Premier Division matches, but the team is a contender too in the FA Vase, Macron League Cup and Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup.

Edge said: “In terms of league games, our situation is serious compared to our rivals – we understand that.

“Our challenge as a board is to juggle everything so the impact on our players and volunteers – without whom we couldn’t get games on – is managed properly.”

They have used Wincham Park twice already since the turn of the year for FA Vase ties against Pontefract and Chichester.

Vics are due at a stadium where they were tenants for the two seasons before this one on Thursday, March 1, kick-off 7.45pm.

For now, 1874’s other home games will take place at St Luke’s Barton Stadium.

That includes a visit from Ashton Athletic tomorrow, Tuesday, before Irlam arrive 48 hours later.