PEN has now been put to paper on a new groundshare agreement between Witton Albion and Northwich Victoria.

The deal, subject to League approval, sees a two-year extension to current terms, meaning Vics will be playing at Wincham Park until the end of the 2021-22 season.

Albion chairman John Salmon highlighted all-round benefits, including Vics being able to continue their existence in the town without having their own ground.

"I personally have never had any wish to see the demise of a club with their history, and the income provided through rental and just as importantly the labour helps in carrying out works around the grounds," he said in a club statement.

"This work, under the direction of Peter Robinson, Alan Spruce and Colin Jump, means that the stadium is in the best condition that it has been for many years.

"We sailed through our recent ground inspection.

"My personal thanks to Brian Turner and the staff of Northwich Victoria for their assistance in the negotiations.

"They are happy to be at Wincham Park and we are happy to have them."

Salmon made reference to further positive news around the club, including the gate of 933 for Saturday's home clash with FC United of Manchester being Albion's biggest since April, 2015, against the same opposition.

"This pushes our average this season up to 390. It would be great if we could maintain this level of support," he said.

"Included in that gate were 98 boys and girls from Witton Albion Juniors FC together with Weaverham and Hartford Juniors and others.

"Their presence not only means gates are creeping up, but created a fantastic atmosphere.

"We are generating Wittoners of the future!"

Salmon praised associate director Alan Jackson for his continued role in developing the Witton Albion junior membership scheme.

He added: "The increase in attendance means also that gate receipts are improved, and I will be meeting with Carl (Macauley, manager) and Gary Martindale (assistant manager) this week about strengthening the team further."

Witton Albion Elite starts shortly.

"This initiative provides one-to-one or small group specialist coaching for children from ages 7 to 18," explained Salmon.

"Contact the club for further details or look out on social media as to how to apply. This will further increase income."

The chairman continued: "The social club continues to do exceptionally well and those of you who attended the sportsman’s dinner were impressed with Barry Fry as a speaker and the feedback was extremely positive.

"My special thanks to Rob Sproston and Jim Powell for their assistance on the night.

"It was noticeable that a significant number of local businesses were there to support us. We are extremely grateful!

"The last three months' figures from social club gross sales and other rental income from people using the facility is on target for a projected annual figure of £170,000.

"While there are wages, costs and deductions to be made from this figure, the future is looking very positive in this area."

Salmon revealed that in relation to the club's community work and the CRY screening of November 3, 109 young adults were given checks and two were referred with heart abnormalities.

"This initiative, together with Heart Start, saves lives," he said.

"Many thanks to all involved but especially Deborah Dixon, Brian Cross and Jackie Beasant who made this such a success on the day."

He added: "On the issue of sponsorship, the club has entered into an arrangement with Playmaker to provide player data in games for all our teams from the first team down to the youth team.

"This equipment and service, which is provided gratis, is normally obtained at a cost of £11,000 plus VAT!

"My personal thanks to Scott Redhead of Playmaker and to Mike Patterson for making this happen."

Salmon concluded: "We have further secured a travel partner in NJT and we will be providing details in due course of how booking a holiday with this company provides a further income stream to us.

"We continue to pay as we go and move in the right direction. The business is starting to run itself."