Harrogate Town's hopes of competing in National League play-offs boosted

Harrogate Town's hopes of being able to compete in the National League play-offs for a place in the Football League were boosted on Thursday afternoon.
Harrogate Town were second in the National League standings when 2019/20 was suspended due to the coronavirus crisis. Picture: Matt KirkhamHarrogate Town were second in the National League standings when 2019/20 was suspended due to the coronavirus crisis. Picture: Matt Kirkham
Harrogate Town were second in the National League standings when 2019/20 was suspended due to the coronavirus crisis. Picture: Matt Kirkham

The long-awaited meeting of fifth and sixth tier clubs saw the league's board propose that final standings for 2019/20 be decided on points-per-game ratio and that promotion and relegation is retained.

In the case of the National League, it has been proposed that play-offs be held to determine who takes the second promotion spot, though this is not expected to happen in National League North or South.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Harrogate were second in the table when 2019/20 was suspended, then later abandoned, due to the coronavirus pandemic and will remain in the same position under points-per-game.

Finishing as runners-up means that, should National League members vote in favour of the proposal, then Simon Weaver's team would qualify for the play-offs alongside Notts County, Yeovil Town, Boreham Wood, FC Halifax Town and Barnet. Leaders Barrow will be promoted to League Two automatically.

Clubs have until Monday to vote for or against the proposed format for concluding 2019/20.

The Harrogate Advertiser understands that should the National League's proposal not be voted through, then the board will consider alternative solutions, which will include voiding the season and expunging all results.