As the playoffs approach in the Northern Premier League (NPL), Gainsborough Trinity will be looking to secure their place in them, and here’s how they can do it.
Trinity currently find themselves one point inside the playoffs in the NPL Premier Division – fifth place – with two games left in their league campaign as things stand.
Across the NPL, step three and four, the playoffs and promotion work the same.
The top team gets automatically promoted to the step above, for Trinity it would would be the National League North.
If, for example, Lincoln United got promoted next season, they would move into the NPL Premier League – where the Holy Blues currently are.
For the playoffs, that consists of four sides overall, the teams placed second – fifth of their respective leagues.
Fans of EFL clubs will be familiar with the way in which the overall system of the playoffs works.
However, there is a slight change as there is only one semi-final (SF) match.
The clubs are matched based on league position with – in each NPL league – second place hosting fifth, and third hosting fourth place.
So, if Trinity finish fifth this season, they will be playing either Hebburn Town, Hednesford or FC United of Manchester away from home.
The final is home and away teams are then dependent on who wins the SF’s.
The highest place SF winner will host the lowest place SF winner.
For example, if Trinity won their SF game, they would be the away side in the final due to them being the lowest placed SF winner.
Therefore, if Gainsborough manage to secure playoffs, they will play both of their games away from home.
The semi-final game will take place on Tuesday, April 28 with a 19:45 (7:45pm) kick off time.
The final would be on the Bank Holiday Monday, May 4 – with a kick off time at 15:00 (3pm).