WINSFORD United and the town council are set to be locked in a battle for ownership of Barton Stadium.

Only a fortnight since the football club held an open meeting where the two parties agreed to get together behind closed doors - this isn't going to happen.

On Monday night, council members officially voted not to enter negotiations until Blues signed a lease making them tenants of the site.

Clr Tony Hooton, in an unofficial capacity, offered this option to Winsford directors at the open meeting, but they rejected it and will continue to do so.

Without ownership United won't get the grant support they need to develop Barton Stadium into a community facility.

Vice chairman Mark Loveless confirmed yesterday (Tuesday) that the two parties would have to speak through solicitors to get the issue resolved.

It leaves Winsford United's future as a semi-professional football club still in doubt, but they will continue in UniBond Division One at home to second placed Ashton United on Saturday (3pm).

MIDDLEWICH Town are at home to Trafford FC in the Mid Cheshire League this Saturday (2.15pm).