INTER-STEP PLAY-OFFS? DON'T THEY HAVE PLAYOFFS AT STEP 5?
That's from next season with a traditional fourteam play-off set to be implemented to replace the current Inter-Step format. As it stands, the teams finishing third and fourth bottom of the eight Step 4 divisions are due to play against the 16 runners-up at Step 5.
There's a 'But' coming. Following Harlow Town's withdrawal earlier this season, one Step 5 runner-up will be automatically promoted.
HOW ARE THE INTER-STEP PLAY-OFF FIXTURES DECIDED?
England, of course, isn't a perfect shape that can be divided into equal sections. Initially, a sub-committee of the FA's Alliance and Leagues Committees looks at the clubs involved and where they fall geographically and the travelling it will entail.
Let's then say there are three Step 4 clubs and three Step 5 clubs in a particular area, they will be paired on a Points Per Game sliding scale - eg the club with best PPG at Step 4 will play the club with the lowest PPG at Step 5.
This story is from the April 23, 2023 edition of The Non-League Football Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 23, 2023 edition of The Non-League Football Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
PILGRIMS' PERFECT DAY SEALED BY CAM
BOSTON United won their second penalty shoot-out in four days as they overhauled second-placed Scunthorpe United to earn their place in the National League North play-off final.
Spirit of Angelo's Iron keeps dream alive
ANGELO HARROP hailed calm heads as Braintree Town hauled themselves off the ropes after Chelmsford City's late comeback to land an extra-time knock-out and reach the Promotion Final.
UNITED BID IS SUNK BY WATERS' WINNER!
ASHTON UNITED'S lingering play-off hopes were finally extinguished at Hurst Cross as the visitors secured their own place with a deserved victory.
PREECE'S KEEPING IT REAL!
ANDY PREECE doesn't want his Chorley side to forget how good season has been to this point and urged them to use that belief at Brackley Town.
STONES STILL ROLLING ON!
Gist EORGE Elokobi insists his Maidstone United side are not in danger of succumbing to fatigue as they look to complete a marathon season on a high.
ACE JACK LEADS A HORNETS HURRAH
HORSHAM managed to muster the energy in their 60th game of the season to finally breast the tape and secure a topfive finish in what was already the finest season in the club's history.
RUSSELL ENDS ON A EURO MISSION
Italy adventure is fitting for Rooks boss
COMMUNITY WILL UNITE TO HELP HEED ON A LONG ROAD AHEAD
Local pride can heal the pain of play-off snub
EMOTION LIKE NEVER BEFORE
Critics gave us no chance, says Cousins
SAM'S IN THE STONES ZONE
UPBEAT music, positive messages only and even group prayers - Sam Cox says Wealdstone's survival story is something to be proud of.