Concord Rangers have been thrown out of the National League South play-offs after failing to meet ground grading requirements.
Barring a drastic swing in goal difference, Sammy Moore’s side had confirmed their place in the top seven with one game remaining.
However, the Beachboys are not eligible to participate in the end-of-season showdown after failing to provide 500 covered seats meaning only FIVE teams will be involved in the play-offs.
The team finishing in 4th place will now advance straight to the semi-finals and won’t have to play an eliminator match.
The new format for the National League South play-offs is 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)
The format assumes Concord Rangers are removed and notionally placed 7th.
The play-off competition rules do not permit any clubs finishing below 7th place to participate in the play-offs hence why the 8th placed team will not qualify.
Woking have secured second place while Welling have finished third. The Wings will definitely play the fourth-placed team instead of potentially playing seventh.
Chelmsford and Bath have both confirmed their place in the play-offs, but both sides have the opportunity of finishing fourth and advancing straight to the semi-finals.
One of St Albans City, Dartford, Wealdstone and Slough can still reach the play-offs should Billericay Town slip up.
