Play-off hopes for the Darts

Dartford could be heading into a National South play-off campaign – but it all depends on this week’s vote. Clubs in the National League had until 5pm yesterday (Wednesday) to vote on whether to pass the National League’s emended proposal – one that now includes play-offs at step two.

It’s good news for Dartford – but not such good news for neighbours Ebbsfleet United. The National League had originally appeared to rule out play-offs in North and South following their interpretation of the government’s definition on elite sports. That would mean only two promotion places for clubs (one from the North division and one from the South). It would also mean only one team relegated from the National League, bottom side Chorley.

Elite sports, those where players make a living out of the game, are the only ones currently allowed back under the government’s coronovirus lockdown measures. There were big protests ahead of what was expected to be a vote on Monday and after those, the proposal was changed, to include the playoffs in all three of the National League divisions.

Clubs were sent the National League’s ordinary resolution paper on Monday night. The National League propose ending the season on unweighted points per game (as opposed to a weighted formula which takes into account remaining home and away fixtures). That would leave Fleet third from bottom in the National League – in the relegation zone.

Teams at the top of the National League (Barrow), National League North (King’s Lynn) and National League South (Wealdstone) would be promoted automatically. The Linnets would replace York City at the top of National League North on PPG.

The proposal goes on to say “the competition would then proceed to end of season playoffs for those clubs qualifying for the same in accordance with competition rules pursuant to the final league table. Such play-offs will in any event be subject to the government’s coronavirus guidance on phased return to elite sport.”

Dartford sit sixth place in National League South and manager Steve King scoffed at suggestions finance was putting some teams off. EFL clubs were facing big bills to continue their season, but King reckons it would only cost the club £12,750 in total, with a maximum of three games. Dartford would play Slough Town in the first game of any play-offs.