York City, Harrogate Town and North Ferriby boosted as National League revamp play-off structure

FC Halifax Town won the National League North play-off this season

Chief executive Michael Tattersall has revealed plans to add two teams to the end of season play-offs in the National League, plus the National League North and South.

The new structure will see the league winners automatically promoted with second and third automatically receiving a home semi-final.

Clubs finishing fourth and fifth will stage a qualifying tie against the teams finishing seventh and sixth respectively – with matches played over a single leg.

FC Halifax Town won promotion through the National League North play-offs this season.

Halifax beat fourth-placed Salford City on penalties after a two-legged semi-final before winning the final after extra time against Chorley.

The new changes are likely to improve the promotion hopes of York City, North Ferriby United and Harrogate Town in the 2017/18 National League North campaign

Tattersall said: “The format involves the same amount of matches as now. With six clubs competing, it will increase the interest levels.”