Ten second-placed clubs with the best points-per-game ratios in the 16 Step Five Leagues will be promoted to Step Four under the FA’s new promotion plan.
Previously it was said that the runners-up would face a play-off final against a team from Step 4.
The news slightly changes the ‘ball game’ for promotion-chasing Step 5 clubs who now have more hope than before.
The six second-placed clubs whose PPG ratios are not good enough for automatic promotion will play-off with the six Step Four clubs who occupy lowly positions.