The National League play-off chase: Who is heading for the end-of-season finale?

The National League play-off race looks like it is going down to the end of the season, with as many as seven clubs all still within a chance of making the league's promotion battle. 

Second and third place look like they have already been sewn up as they head to the semi-finals, but the remaining spots are all to play for, with just a handful of games left in the campaign. 

DAZN News looks at who could be in contention to join champions-elect Barnet in winning promotion to League Two. 

The dead certs 

York City have already confirmed their place in the play-offs, having battled Barnet for most of the season in the title race before running out of steam chasing the Bees. Forest Green Rovers will also be part of the end-of-season proceedings, and both will automatically go straight through to the play-off semi-finals. 

Adam Hinshelwood's side will head into those games as favourites after getting back on track in the final weeks of the season and having the division's leading goal-scorer in Ollie Pearce - who's already netted 27 goals this term. 

Firmly in contention 

Despite some surprising inconsistencies in the second half of the season, Oldham and Gateshead should also make the play-offs. The two sides have almost been ever-presents in the top seven all season and few would argue about the merits of them making the end of the season finale, but there could be concerns over their form. 

The Lactis have struggled to string any kind of winning run and remain inconsistent, while Gateshead's run of six straight defeats over February and March almost derailed their play-off bid altogether. 

Halifax are another team who currently sit in the top seven, but seem to be limping towards the finish line. The Shayman haven't won in their last five games, which is not ideal if they are to confirm a play-off place. 

GFC

The potential spanner 

When the top seven is as tight as it is, having games in hand could be key, and Rochdale has that advantage over the rest of the top seven. Win both those games, and there may not be anyone who can stop them from getting a play-off birth. This means they could still have a big say and see a major contender miss out on getting a spot. 

The hopefuls 

Below Rochdale, there are three sides still with every chance of sneaking into the final seven if results go their way. Both Altrincham and Southend are just a point off seventh place, having played two games more but with every chance of still achieving a promotion dream. 

With Regan Martyn Linney on a hot streak in front of goal, Altrincham has every chance in the last four games, while the Shrimpers, who beat Oldham last month, play Gateshead on the last day - which could be key in the final placings. 

For those who like an outsider, Tamworth - who have already enjoyed their moment in the spotlight during their FA Cup run this season - are also only three points off the play-off places in tenth spot. They'd won four on the spin before the defeat to Maidenhead, but fans will have their fingers crossed they can still gatecrash the end-of-season proceedings. 

Naomi Baker/Getty Images

How to watch National League football on DAZN

Football fans worldwide can watch the 2024-25 National League season with a National League TV DAZN subscription.

Every game in the National League, and selected matches in National League North and National League South, is available on DAZN. That's over 600 games to watch live or on demand catch-up, all in one place.

NLTV on DAZN is available on any device, including Smart TV’s, mobile devices, tablets, streaming devices, games consoles, and, for viewers in the UK, your Sky box.

For more information and to sign up, head here now.

What else do you get with a DAZN account?

Having a DAZN account also gets you access to action across the UEFA Women's Champions League, NFL, PDC Darts, LIV Golf, Super League Basketball and Saudi Pro League*.

Free TV Channels include Matchroom Boxing, PGA Tour, PDC Darts, PowerSports World, Billiard TV and Padel Time TV*.

*Sports and Channels available dependant on country of residence 

How much does it cost to watch the National League?

Watching the National League on DAZN comes with plenty of flexible options.

This includes a weekly pass, if you just want to watch certain key matches. Or monthly and annual subscriptions to get access to all 600 games across the three divisions.

 

More Football

• 2025 FIFA Club World Cup fixtures, groups, schedule, venues
• How to watch the Club World Cup on DAZN
• National League fixtures & results
• The National League only on DAZN
• Watch the Champions League on DAZN (Canada & New Zealand)
• The Women's Champions League free on DAZN
• Nassr TV on DAZN - Watch Ronaldo and Al Nassr for free