Key dates for end-of-season play-off structures

With only three games remaining in the Betfred League 1 season, Gary Thornton’s side will be looking towards the upcoming play-off campaign due to start in September.

The Hornets’ 46-32 victory over Cornwall saw the side regain third and confirm their place in the top-six and with that a chance at achieving promotion to the Betfred Championship.

The team finishing top of Betfred League 1 will secure automatic promotion to the Championship. Those finishing in places two to six will compete in a play-off series to determine which other team will have a chance of being promoted.

Despite an impressive season for Gary Thornton’s Hornets, an almost invincible year from local rivals Oldham means that his side will have to battle it out with four others to determine who will earn their place in the Championship promotion play-off.

Here are all the key dates as we head closer to the post-season:

Weekend of Saturday 14/Sunday 15 September – Qualifying play-off i.e. 3rd v 4th  and Elimination play-off i.e. 5th vs 6th.

Weekend of Saturday 21/Sunday 22 September – Semi-final 1: 2nd vs winner of qualifying play-off (winner goes straight through to the final). Semi-final 2: Loser of qualifying play-off vs winner of elimination play-off.

Sunday 29 September – Preliminary Final: Loser of Semi-final 1 vs winner of Semi-final 2.

Sunday 6 October – League One Promotion Play-off Final, to be played at the home of the finalist which finished highest in the league in the regular season

Sunday 13 October – Championship Promotion Play-off: 12th in Championship vs winner of League 1 Promotion Final.