As we approach the season finale with three matches to go, there is still the prospect of the Poppies being crowned league champions, albeit at this stage being dependent on other results and permutations. However, in the event that KTFC are involved in the playoffs here is a brief guide to the League’s playoffs procedures.
PLAY-OFF PROCEDURES
l. Participation
Subject to the Champions the respective Divisions obtaining automatic promotion then the next four highest placed clubs – normally 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th – will participate in the Play-Offs for the second promotion place. However, should the Champion Club not qualify for promotion for whatever reason then the 2nd placed club (subject to qualifying) will take the automatic promotion place and the clubs finishing 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th will participate in the Play-Offs. This formula will be extended as far as the 7th placed club should any of the 2nd to 6th placed clubs not qualify for promotion. It will not be extended beyond the 7th placed club. Should the number of the 2nd to 7th placed clubs that qualify for the Play-Offs be less than four then the numbers participating will be reduced accordingly.
2. Sequence of Matches – Venues
Subject to four clubs qualifying to participate the two Play-Off Semi-Finals will comprise (1) the highest placed of the qualifying clubs playing at home to the 4th highest placed of the qualifying clubs and (2) the 2nd highest placed of the qualifying clubs playing at home to the 3rd highest placed of the qualifying clubs. The winning Semi-Finalists will meet in the Final with the highest placed of the two clubs playing at home. Should only three clubs qualify for participation in the Play-Offs then the highest placed of the qualifying clubs will be exempt to the Final in which they will play at home to the winner of the one Semi Final that will comprise the 2nd highest placed of the qualifying clubs playing at home to the 3rd highest placed of the qualifying clubs. Should only two clubs qualify for the Play-Offs then the Final will comprise the highest placed club playing at home to the 2nd highest placed club. For Semi-Finals and Final, matches will be played to a conclusion as one-off games and should the scores finish level at the end of normal time then 15 minutes each way extra time will be played. Should the scores still be level at the end of extra time then the winners will be decided by the taking of kicks from the penalty mark.
3. Dates of Games
The Semi-Finals will be played on Wednesday 30th April 2025 at the normal kick off time of the club at home.
The Final will be played on Monday 5th May 2025, with a 3pm kick off.
Should a club that has qualified to play at home either in the Semi-Final or Final not be able to host the game at their normal home ground on the scheduled date and kick-off time then the game will be played on the ground of their opponents.
We clearly all remain hopeful of automatic promotion as Champions. However, with us currently in second in a play-off position we could end up with a home or away tie on April 30th.
Whatever, the permutations and outcomes over the next 270+ minutes of football, get behind the Poppies! See you at Latimer Park on Saturday for the game against Royston Town. COYP!
