1874 NORTHWICH have confirmed they will play home games in the town from next season.

The club announced a ground-share agreement with Barnton on Monday after concluding negotiations in the past few days.

It will last initially for two years, and brings to an end their stay at Winsford where they have hosted opponents since their debut campaign in 2013.

“A core ambition of ours is to have a permanent base for the club in Northwich,” read a brief statement from the board.

“This is a first step towards that.

“Our appreciation goes to Barnton for the welcome that has been extended to us and we look forward to working with them to the mutual benefit of both clubs.”

The Guardian understands there is an option to extend the arrangement should both clubs wish to.

Barnton, who announced on Sunday that their Townfield Lane ground will be known as the Offside Trust Stadium for the remainder of the current campaign, currently have another team as tenants.

Widnes, where former Villagers chairman Ian Ross is now in charge, are playing there until the artificial pitch at their current home – the Halton Stadium – is replaced once the rugby league season has concluded.

The Villagers acted as landlords last season to Northwich Victoria, who have since negotiated a new two-year agreement to play home games at Witton Albion.