NORTHWICH Victoria are embroiled in an extraordinary stand-off with their landlord Mike Connett.

Owner Jim Rushe and secretary Derek Nuttall have been barred from entering the club’s Marston’s Arena home by the former chairman.

He has refused to speak to either man.

The green gates padlocked and chained up with no prospect of them being opened either today or in time for Saturday’s visit of Histon.

Vics are helpless to do anything.

Connett’s company Beaconet Limited, which runs the nine-acre Wincham site, was given a third High Court reprieve in as many months yesterday, Wednesday.

A petition to wind up the firm for failing to pay back a five-figure Bank of Scotland loan was adjourned for a fortnight.

That leaves Connett free to continue trading from there.

Beaconet was stripped of its main asset – the ground – in October owing more than £1m in charges to another lender.

Finance specialists Deloitte Touche were called in as receivers to sell the land to the highest bidder, although they appear reluctant to intervene in the dispute between Connett and Vics.

The Guardian has contacted them today, Thursday, but is still awaiting a response.

One man – Cheshire Trading Standards officer Keith Fishwick - has been allowed access to the ground.

He is expected to shut it down later today, plunging this weekend’s scheduled match into doubt.

More to follow.