National League South side expelled from end of season play-offs

Vanarama National League South side Concord Rangers have been thrown out of the play-offs following a breach in National League rules.

The Canvey Island based club, who were also deducted three points earlier in the season after fielding an ineligible player, have failed to meet the sufficient ground grading that would allow them to play in the National League should they be promoted through the National League South play-offs.

The Beachboys currently sit sixth in the table, three points adrift of St Albans City who are just outside the play-offs; however, the league have declared that, as a result of not meeting the minimum requirement of 500 seats, only five teams will compete in this season’s play-offs.

The change in play-off structure adds greater importance for teams aspiring of finishing in fourth, as they will receive a bye to semi-final stage of the play-offs.

The updated structure is now as follows:

Wednesday 1st May 2019 (kick-off: 7.45pm)
Eliminator – Match A – 5th place vs 6th place

Sunday 5th May 2019 (kick-off: 3pm)
Semi Final – 2nd place vs winner of Match A
Semi Final – 3rd place vs 4th place

Sunday 12th May 2019
Promotion Final (kick-off: 3pm)

Two teams remain able to qualify for a bye to the semi-finals, Concord’s Essex rivals Chelmsford City currently occupy that position but Bath City are behind the Clarets by one point with a greater goal-difference than Rod Stringer’s outfit.

The Clarets must win to retain their position in the standings; however, City’s strong Essex rivals Billericay Town – who are also in the play-off spots – host Bath City on Saturday.

With Chelmsford currently on a run of just one away win in their previous six fixtures, City will be hoping their county rivals can do them a favour and provide them with a bye to the semi-finals of the play-offs.