TT PREVIEW

Steve Harris – @steveharris84

PREVIEW

The final day of the 2025-26 National League South campaign is finally upon, with the identity of the league champions and the make up of the play-offs still to be decided.

Last season, the league title was decided on goal difference and only three points separated the top six, but will it be the same this time around. Here’s a closer look at the games that will determine the identity of the promotion picture.

Worthing (1st, 81pts) versus Ebbsfleet United (6th, 77pts)

After two years of being play-off bridesmaids, could Worthing finally become the bride and win promotion to the National League as champions? Adam Hinshelwood’s side lead the division with 81 points and had been on an eight-match unbeaten run before their defeat to Maidstone United, but victory over the Fleet would seal the title for the Rebels.

For Ebbsfleet, qualifying for the play-offs would give them a shot at making an immediate return to the National League after being relegated at the end of the 2024-25 campaign. Jake Wright’s men are one of a number of teams who could finish as high as second in the table.

Hornchurch (2nd, 80pts) versus Maidenhead United (8th, 76pts)

Second placed Hornchurch will be looking to leapfrog Worthing should they slip up against Ebbsfleet if they manage to beat Maidenhead United at home.

The Urchins currently trail Worthing by a point. Hornchurch manager Daryl McMahon will be looking to win a second promotion from National League South in his career, after previously completing the feat with Ebbsfleet in 2016-17.

Maidenhead United are another side who could be in with a shout of returning to the National League at the first attempt following their relegation in 2024-25.

Hemel Hempstead Town (4th, 78pts) versus Salisbury FC (16th, 52pts)

Due to their goal difference, winning the title is a long shot for the Tudors, who won at Plainmoor last Saturday. Nevertheless, they could claim home advantage for the play-off semi-finals if they secure a win at home to Salisbury, which would seal second place.

The Whites currently have nothing to play for, so you would like that it might be a formality for Hemel. However, the nature of National League South this season has often proved that that isn’t the case.

Weston-super-Mare (7th, 77pts) versus Dorking Wanderers (3rd, 78pts)

Weston Super Mare finished eighth last season and missed out on the play-offs altogether. However, they head into the final game of the season needing a win to seal a place in the top seven.

Marc White’s Dorking Wanderers were top of the league until their defeat to Worthing on Easter Monday, and now there is a possibility that they could miss out on the play-offs altogether.

Bath City (21st, 43pts) versus Maidstone United (9th, 74pts)

In what will be manager George Elokobi’s last game as manager if they don’t make the play-offs, but the Stones will need a big win against the already relegated Bath City and results elsewhere to go in their favour.

However, the Romans, now managed by former Weston Super Mare manager Scott Bartlett, proved that they are no pushovers when they beat Dorking last week.

Tonbridge Angels (14th, 60pts) versus Torquay United (5th, 77pts)

The Gulls need a win away to Tonbridge Angels to ensure that they reach the play-offs and to paraphrase manager Jimmy Ball: ‘let’s win and see
where we end up,’ -or words to that effect.