NORTHWICH Victoria hope to have secured a place in the North West Counties League’s top-flight after raising money they needed to pay off remaining debts.

The team was relegated on the field at the end of last season, but the club risk being demoted another level if they fail to exit administration before the weekend.

However they announced earlier today that a five-figure sum, which included £5,000 in donations following an appeal launched less than 48 hours earlier, to settle bills with creditors was in place ahead of an FA-imposed deadline.

A figure twice that amount was pledged by Vics supporters during an emergency meeting on Monday.

They hope now to compete a takeover of the club from Martin Rushe, who declared the club insolvent before Christmas.

Before that, the FA’s Leagues Committee will make a final decision on where to place the team.

A provisional constitution, published by the league last month, included them in a 23-strong Premier Division.