Play off updates......

[garthrockett]

Just to keep track;
Solihull tank Halifax 4-2 in NL, while Chorley defeat Curzon Ashton on penalties in NLN (as did Boston beat Alfreton)

[garthrockett]

.....and a statement made by Solihull on gateshead's expulsion and the play off dates:

"Solihull Moors has digested the various announcements published yesterday by the National League.
Firstly and foremost, whilst we are obviously unaware of the details behind the decision, we share Gateshead’s disappointment. They have had a wonderful season and we send our thoughts and best wishes to their players, fans and officials. We would much prefer promotion to be decided on sporting merit.
As a club of a similar size, we completely understand the challenges and costs of meeting EFL ground regulations.
We look forward to meeting them again at Wembley on May 11th and having a wonderful day out - and allowing football to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Turning to the decision making, we would welcome more clarity in the near future as to the rules and their application following the Gateshead decision.
What surprises us is why addressing this issue was not planned for well in advance. The League must have been aware that it was a possibility and could easily have planned for this contingency rather than being seemingly influenced by who shouts loudest and being driven by events.
It is critical for the integrity of the game that everyone, - fans, managers, players and owners - has complete transparency and understanding of the interpretation of the rules and the League’s decision making process.
Having said this, we are fully in agreement that, on sporting merit, Altrincham should receive the bye rather than Solihull Moors. The rules should be explicit on this. If they are not, they should be changed.
The decision making thereafter seems somewhat illogical, most specifically putting the winner of the Moors versus Halifax game at a newly created disadvantage.
The play off rules are clearly articulated, especially the need for a full 3 day gap between the quarter final and semi final, which was agreed following debate 2 years ago re the scheduling.
These are amongst the biggest games in any club’s history and this situation has taken much of the joy away at a time of celebration.
We simply don’t know why the Moors game against Halifax could not have been played on the Tuesday - the original date for Moors versus Gateshead - or why the game against Barnet for the winners could not have been moved to the Sunday.
There was plenty of time to arrange this yesterday.
Moors, at the request of the League did not start selling tickets after our game against York on Saturday, as previously planned, causing us significant inconvenience and we have held our own counsel throughout yesterday’s events with Moors having originally been given a bye - and planning accordingly - then to be told to play on Wednesday not Tuesday - and now to be placed at a playing disadvantage of the League’s making.
The position both Halifax and Moors find themselves is prejudicial to two teams who have acted with professionalism throughout and is contrary to the spirit of the sporting integrity of the playoffs.
Moors registered a formal complaint at the situation that the League has created, of its own making.
The League has hitherto failed to explain why the dates of the two semi finals could not be reversed - this would have been straightforward and equitable and there was plenty of time over the weekend to do this.
Moors have had to change opponents and timing with far less notice - and with far more disruption.
We are sure this issue will be debated in full by all clubs at the upcoming League AGM when we hope the executive of the League will explain everything in appropriate detail and be open to a full debate to ensure the rules explicitly cater for such situation and all its consequences.
Ultimately, Solihull Moors are dismayed that they are the only team prejudiced by the series of events and poor management by the League.
Nevertheless, we will now abide by the decision and look forward to welcoming Halifax on Wednesday."

[Jasper]

Embarrassing attendance at Solihull of 1875 and that included several hundred from Halifax who played 4 matches last week.

[garthrockett]

A trip to sunny Scunny next year as they go out on penalties to Boston.

and Redditch, Telford, Mickleover and Leamington in the SLPC play off mix.

[Phil]

Barnet 0 Solihull 4. Imagine Solihull in the FL with that ground?

[Krasnyi]

If it’s a Solihull v Bromley final it seems crazy to have it at Wembley. Better to go for a smaller venue. Between them they might half fill Brackley’s place, for example.

[jim mankey]

A trip to sunny Scunny next year as they go out on penalties to Boston.

and Redditch, Telford, Mickleover and Leamington in the SLPC play off mix.

The Redditch ground must have the set up to watch a game of football I've ever come across. Out of that lot I think I'd prefer Telford, at least they've got a ground where an atmosphere can be created.

[Jasper]

Barnet 0 Solihull 4. Imagine Solihull in the FL with that ground?

Imagine Solihull in the NL with that ground. Wait a minute......... Seats alfresco!

[jim mankey]

A trip to sunny Scunny next year as they go out on penalties to Boston.

and Redditch, Telford, Mickleover and Leamington in the SLPC play off mix.

The Redditch ground must have the worst set up to watch a game of football I've ever come across. Out of that lot I think I'd prefer Telford, at least they've got a ground where an atmosphere can be created.

[PIRATE OF ZARAGOZA]

Barnet 0 Solihull 4. Imagine Solihull in the FL with that ground?

Imagine Solihull in the NL with that ground. Wait a minute......... Seats alfresco!

There playing budget would be interesting, in the football league it is based on the previous seasons attendance

[Phil]

Brackley v Boston final then after they beat Chorley 1-0

Come on Boston. Rather go to Brackley. Nice easy trip

[garthrockett]

Bromley versus Solihull at Wembley for a place in the EFL.

The footballing nation holds its breath.........

[Phil]

In the other game Bromley beat Alty 3-1 to face Solihull in the final

[garthrockett]

Bromley/Altrincham attendance; 5,000 (700 away)
Barnet/Solihull attendance; 4,560 (331 away)

Brackley/Chorley attendance: 1,889 (378 away)
Scunthorpe/Boston attendance: 8,036 (1455 away)

[SCF1985]

If it’s Bromley, I might put a tenner on them becoming the first FL team to come straight back down. Even more if it’s SM. Makes you wonder what might have been had Gateshead been allowed to compete. I know they finished a couple of places behind the aforementioned clubs, but they at least have more of the infrastructure to be an FL team