National League consider increased play-off places

Proposals have been put forward for an increased six National League clubs being involved in the end-of-season play-offs.

The same format would also apply in both the North and South divisions. A decision will be made at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting on 10th June.

From next season the teams finishing second and third would automatically stage one-legged semi-finals, with all two-legged plays-offs being scrapped.

The remaining clubs finishing fourth to seventh would, meanwhile, be involved in one-game qualifying rounds.

“Under the new format, all play-off matches will be played over a single-leg in a qualifying round, semi final and promotion final,” National League chief executive Michael Tattersall told Pitchero.com. “The club finishing second and third will automatically proceed to a semi-final at their home ground.

“The clubs in fourth and fifth will stage qualifying round ties against the teams finishing seventh and sixth. The winners of those matches will then complete the semi-final line up.

“The format involves the same amount of matches as now. With six clubs competing, it will increase the interest levels,” he added. “The same format will also apply in the North and South completions with finals being played at a club ground.”