The National League has announced the play-offs from the National League North and South will be streamed live.
National League Playoffs to Be Live Streamed
National League North and South Play-Offs Live
Fans will now have the chance to watch their team play in these crucial games.
Covid-19 restrictions had left fans from step two fearing they would miss out on seeing playoff games. However, the National League is offering live stream packages in association with BT Sport and Sportradar.
The deal means the National League South and North play-off matches will now be shown live too.
The Play-offs for a place in League 2 were already set to be shown on BT Sport; this includes all eliminator games. The winners of each division only are automatically promoted. Teams finishing second and third qualify for the semi-final matches. Those finishing in fourth position down to seventh play in eliminators to finalise the semi-final draw.
The National League playoffs begin on Friday, July 17. The first match sees an eliminator match-up between Boreham Wood and FC Halifax Town. The National League North and South eliminators take place two days later, providing a bumper Sunday of football for non-league fans.
For £14.99, supporters will be able to watch all ten of the play-off fixtures live online.
Relegation Uncertainty
Barrow’s return to the Football League was confirmed when they were finally crowned National League champions.
A points-per-game system was used to determine the league outcome. Barrow return to League football after a 48-year absence, replacing Bury following that club’s unfortunate demise.
However they could yet earn a reprieve due to an ongoing saga at Macclesfield, who finished one place above Stevenage.
Following a misconduct charge regarding the late-paying of wages, an independent commission fined Macclesfield £20,000. They also ordered a two-point deduction. This deduction still left them just above Stevenage and seemingly safe in League 2.
However, the EFL has now lodged an appeal against this decision. A potential outcome of this appeal is a further reduction in points which could see Macclesfield relegated instead of Stevenage. Macclesfield are none too impressed with the league’s decision to appeal, as can well be imagined.
Premier League’s Financial Boost to National League
The EFL only agreed on relegation from League 2 this season on the assurance the National League season would go ahead. The issue of staging the play-offs has been helped by financial assistance from the Premier League to the National League to the tune of £200,000.
However, clouds will continue to hang over lower league football until spectators are allowed back into grounds. Without spectators, staging games for most clubs will be a non-starter. Ultimately when this can happen will be down to the Government.
For National League North and South Clubs the way the season ended was a bit of a win-win situation. Clubs at the top end have a chance of promotion, while the bottom clubs were saved from relegation.
However, the lack of promotion for step three league winners to the National League system will be a bitter pill to swallow. Clubs will hope a feeling of injustice will fuel motivation to go and win their respective leagues once more next time around.
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