Chris Dunlavy

Chris Dunlavy: Play-off pause shifted power

Play-offs are inherently unfair, but the fate of York City and Forest Green Rovers feels particularly cruel.

by
The Non-League Football Paper Team
25 May 2025

WEMBLEY WAY: The play-off gods were smiling on Oldham Athletic PICTURE: Alamy

By Chris Dunlavy – A Fresh Take on Football

Play-offs are inherently unfair, but the fate of York City and Forest Green Rovers feels particularly cruel.
York finished the regular season 23 points above Oldham Athletic, their 3-0 conquerors in Tuesday’s semi-final.
Forest Green ended the campaign some 15 points above Southend United, whose victory on penalties at the New Lawn a day later condemned the Gloucestershire side to a second year in the National League.
Take nothing away from Oldham and Southend.
Disadvantaged
Both sides earned their day at Wembley and were deserved winners on the...

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