Harrogate and Halifax are thrown play-off lifeline by FA

THE FOOTBALL Association have granted the National League an extension to its season – meaning that play-offs could potentially be held this summer.

In a meeting last Thursday, FA Council members were asked to vote on a proposal to extend the National League season past a cut-off point of May 31 – which has now been granted.

The news will serve as a boost to Harrogate Town – in second place in the National League – and York City, who led National League North by two points when the regular season ended, although rivals King’s Lynn had played two games fewer.

FC Halifax Town finished in a play-off spot in the National League when the regular season was cancelled on April 22.

This decision keeps the prospect of National League play-offs on the table, although it does not mean they will happen.

The National League is yet to offer clubs a vote on how to end the season, with the outcome of the 2019-20 campaign to be shaped by events in the English Football League.

Earlier this month, the EFL recommended that promotions, relegations and play-offs go ahead in all three of its three divisions, but all 71 clubs will be asked to vote on the framework.

This came despite League Two clubs previously indicating that they wished to cancel the remaining fixtures and not to relegate bottom team Stevenage to the National League because it was deemed unfair to do so with 10 matches still to be played.

Although National League leaders Barrow are still likely to be promoted to the EFL to replace Bury, not relegating Stevenage would have all but ended any chance of a second team going up to League Two which has been the case sine 2002-03 season.

If the National League play-offs cannot go ahead, then it is still possible Harrogate could still be promoted along with Barrow.

If the three EFL divisions vote to end their seasons, league positions will be decided by unweighted points per game method.

The EFL have said that a majority of 51 per cent is required to curtail the season in any of its divisions.

In a statement, the governing body have said the “principle of relegation across all three divisions is integral to the integrity of the pyramid, from the Premier League down to the National League, provided we have assurances that the National League will start season 2020-21.”