1874 NORTHWICH have reached an agreement with landlords Winsford United to share Blues’ Barton Stadium for a further two seasons.

Chairman Paul Stockton told supporters at Thursday’s annual meeting that their club will pay a higher rent to stay there.

“We’ve negotiated a slight increase,” he confirmed in answer to a question from a member.

He signed the paperwork at the end of the evening.

1874 announced in March 2013, four months after their formation, they would host opponents at Winsford for at least their first two campaigns.

They took up the option for a third this time last year.

The new deal is due to expire at the end of the 2017-2018 season.

Stockton added: “This agreement gives us another two years to work on a plan to take the club to Northwich.”

A 1-0 victory at Abbey Hey last night, Tuesday, sent Ian Street’s side to top spot in the North West Counties League Premier Division.

They needed to have in place an arrangement for next season if they want to apply for promotion to the Northern Premier League.

“Should we finish first then we’ll be able to make that step up,” said board member James Wood.

“There might be a bit of work to do later on should we want to stay there [after promotion].”

He said 1874 had contributed £3,000 towards the cost of improvements to the playing surface at Barton Stadium.

Those changes were made during the summer.

“We’ve reaped the benefit of that,” he added.

“It’s a sum we won’t get back, but in the long-term it’s money well-spent.”