Stonebridge Road Ebbsfleet United
Home  »     »   Six teams vying for the play-offs on National League final day

Six teams vying for the play-offs on National League final day

| 25.04.2018

Six teams will battle it out for the four remaining play-off places on Saturday afternoon when the National League season draws to a close.

A shift in the format of the play-offs in non-league football means that SIX teams are eligible to qualify for the post-season competition.

Three of the places are already taken by Tranmere Rovers, Sutton United and Aldershot Town.

While Macclesfield Town secured promotion to the Football League automatically with victory at Eastleigh last week.

But from Ebbsfleet United in fifth down to Wrexham in tenth, nothing is certain. So we’ve had a look at what it all means for each side on the final day…

Ebbsfleet United – Pts 73. Final day: Torquay United (A)

Tuesday night’s victory over Gateshead has all but secured Ebbsfleet United a first-ever crack at the National League play-offs.

Daryl McMahon’s men will need four results to go against them if they’re to drop out the top-seven.

Three points at Plainmoor coupled with anything other than an Aldershot victory against Sutton will see United nab fourth spot and a home tie against the seventh-place team in the quarter-finals.

You can back the Kent-side at even-money on Saturday.

AFC Fylde – Pts 72. Final day: Wrexham (A)

Fylde face the toughest task of the current play-off dwellers with a trip to tenth-place Wrexham.

But the good news for Coasters fans is that their side is in excellent form. The Lancashire outfit have won four of their last six matches. They’ve tasted defeat just twice since the end of February.

That bodes well for Dave Challinor’s side as they bid to secure a play-off spot in their inaugural season in the National League.

Striker Danny Rowe has been vital to their success this season. He’ll likely be on the scoresheet again if they’re to justify odds of 13/10 and pick up victory in North Wales.

Boreham Wood – Pts 72. Final day: Guiseley (H)  

Boreham Wood’s form has suffered of late. But they should have enough left in the tank to see off already relegated Guiseley at Meadow Park.

The visitors have only won three times since the turn of the year and have conceded 10 goals in their last three matches.

For Morgan Ferrier, Bruno Andrade et al, that should mean plenty of joy and a likely play-off place.

They’re 1/4 to win on Saturday and guarantee a top-seven berth.

Bromley – Pts 70. Final day: Maidenhead United (A)

A four-game unbeaten run has given Bromley a glimmer of hope in their play-off quest.

They require victory at Maidenhead United and one of Ebbsfleet, Fylde or Bromley to drop points in order to snag an extension to their season.

Neil Smith’s side have the firepower to hold up their end of the bargain, even if Saturday’s hosts have won their last three matches at York Road.

You can back Maidenhead at 2/1, while Bromley are available at 6/5.

Dover Athletic – Pts 70. Final Day: Woking (A)

Dover Athletic’s final day trip to Woking could have significant repercussions at both ends of the table.

The visitors need three points to keep their play-off hopes alive. Woking know that only a win will be good enough if they’re to have any chance of jumping above Barrow and avoiding relegation

It could well be a case of winner takes all at Kingfield.

And given the Whites’ record of three straight away defeats, it could be the Cards who claim the spoils at 33/20

Wrexham – Pts 69. Final day: Fylde (H)

Realistically, Wrexham have little chance of clinching sixth or seventh spot.

The Red Dragons must get three points at home to Fylde, a minimum five-goal swing and three other matches to go their way.

That’s a lot to ask on the final day. Especially given that the Welsh club have only won once in eight matches since losing manager Dean Keats to Walsall last month.

In short, the situation doesn’t look very hopeful at the Racecourse Ground. They’re 19/10 to end another frustrating campaign with all three points.

Click here for the latest National League odds.

All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication

«
»

Author

Nick Murphy

Nick is a graduate of the UEA where he doubled up as the sports editor of the student newspaper. He supports Dagenham & Redbridge and previously edited the matchday programme at Victoria Road. Darts and Horse Racing are among his other favourite sports.