The money was due to be paid to the club last year but was held back by the League due to a cash shortfall brought about by the lack of a sponsor.

The Nationwide deal has released the money and has also levelled the Conference books. Had no sponsor been found this season the member clubs were facing the prospect of a levy.

Northwich chairman Rod Stitch said: "It is an improvement on what we were anticipating but is not ideal."

The regular sponsorship payments to clubs are likely to return to normal next season. In the meantime, Mr Stitch has admitted only a Wembley appearance or the sale of a player is likely to put the club in the black for the year.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.