National League – Title, Promotion, Play-offs and Relegation Update

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There are just two rounds of matches remaining in the regular National League season and there is still plenty to play for at both ends of the table, with clubs battling for the title and play-off places to get into the EFL.

While two relegation places have already been filled, six teams are still in danger of making the drop into the regional leagues- and two dramatic final day deciders poised to determine who gains promotion to Step One.

Here we look at the state of play in the top tier of non-league, which teams still have something to play for and the key fixtures which are taking place as teams’ fates are decided as the season reaches its climax.

Title race almost run

After at one stage looking like they were cruising to the title, Barnet have stumbled to the line in recent weeks, their win over Sutton United being their first in four games. However, if they avoid defeat at home to Aldershot on Saturday they will secure the title and a return to the EFL.

York City are the only side who can still catch them and they host Solihull Moors knowing that they simply have to win and hope The Shots can claim victory to keep the Minstermen’s title hopes alive.

Both title challengers are on the road on the final day, with Barnet facing already relegated AFC Fylde and York City making the long trip to Eastleigh. Whoever misses out on the title will have a home play-off semi-final.

Play-Off spots up for grabs

One side who are guaranteed to be in the play-offs are Forest Green Rovers, who are assured of finishing third and having a home play-off semi final. They host Oldham Athletic, who themselves only need a point to ensure they join FGR in the play-offs. That game could turn out to be a dress rehearsal for a semi-final.

The other play-off spots are currently held by Rochdale on 68 points, FC Halifax Town on 67 and Gateshead on 66. Southend United and Altrincham are chasing down the top seven, two and three points behind respectively. Tamworth are also mathematically still in the race.

On Saturday Rochdale host Hartlepool knowing that they will secure a play-off spot with a win. However, Dale have a game in hand on the others, which they play on Tuesday night at Solihull Moors. Halifax are also at home, against Hartlepool. Gateshead are on the road as they face in form Boston United.

Altrincham know that only a win will do when they travel to struggling Dagenham & Redbridge. Even if Halifax and Gateshead win at 3pm, they will not yet be assured of their play-off spots as Southend are playing in the late kick-off, hosting Wealdstone.

Relegation battle- two down, two to go

Ebbsfleet United have long been down after a season of struggle, while AFC Fylde joined them on Good Friday after losing to Halifax. That leaves two relegation spots left to be filled- and six sides still in danger of filling them.

For Maidenhead United the equation is simple, defeat at Ebbsfleet United on Saturday will see them join The Fleet in dropping to Step 2 next season. Dagenham & Redbridge are the other side currently in the drop zone, two points behind Wealdstone.

The hope for Maidenhead is that while they are facing the league’s bottom side, the four sides directly above them are all taking on sides in the play-off race. Braintree and Boston could be looking nervously over their shoulders should results go against them.

Despite being 17th, Aldershot are not mathematically safe yet and face perhaps the toughest assignment of the lot- a trip to the champions-elect. However, should two of Wealdstone, Dagenham & Redbridge and Maidenhead drop points The Shots will be safe regardless of their own result.

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