How finishing runners-up could be good enough to earn AFC Portchester automatic promotion from the Wessex League this season

Under the FA’s restructuring of the non-league pyramid, different rules apply this season compared to previous campaigns.

The Wessex League is one of 14 at step 5 in the pyramid where the 2019/20 champions will be automatically promoted.

The second and third-placed clubs in the North West Counties League, the Northern League and the Northern Counties East League will also go up automatically.

The remaining 11 second-placed clubs will be ranked on points per game with the four highest placed clubs also receiving automatic promotion.

In the event of exactly the same points per game ratios, it will come down to goal difference and then goals scored if necessary.

The remaining seven second-placed clubs will take part in step 4/5 play-off matches on a single match basis.

The clubs finishing in last place in each of the seven divisions at step 4 level - the Southern League Division 1 South covers Hampshire and includes Moneyfields - will also take their place in the play-offs.

Where possible, the draw for the play off ties will be regionalised but will ALL take place at the home of the step 4 club.

For example, if AFC Portchester were to take part in the play-offs, they could be drawn away to Basingstoke Town - the latter are in danger of finishing bottom of the Southern League Division 1 South.

The winners of the seven play-off ties will be allocated to step 4 in 2020/21.

Only one club has ever been promoted in one season from the Wessex League.

Since 2010/11, one club has been promoted every season to the Southern League with the exception of 2012/12 when champions Blackfield did not go up.

With regards to relegation from the Wessex Premier, it is possible no club will go down this season.

The clubs in bottom place in each of the 14 step 5 leagues will be ranked on a points per match basis (then goal difference, then goals scored if required.

The 12 lowest will be relegated and placed in the most geographically appropriate division of step 6 (locally, Wessex Division 1).

These clubs will be replaced by the clubs placed first, second, third and fourth in the 18 leagues at step 6. At present, US Portsmouth are top of Wessex 1, where the top six clubs are separated by only six points.

Due to restructuring, clubs in bottom two positions of each of the 20 nationwide step 6 divisions will be liable to relegation.

That might not be the case in Wessex Division 1, though, due to Pewsey Vale’s withdrawal before Christmas.

Four Hampshire Premier League clubs (step 7) have applied for promotion to Wessex Division 1 - Infinity, Fleetlands, Bush Hill and Stockbridge.

Whoever finishes highest obviously has the best chance of winning promotion, but the bottom line is that only clubs who finish in the top five will be considered. At present, Stockbridge are sixth.

For this season only, more than one club may be considered for promotion from each step 7 league.

The FA, however, have decreed that no more than 40 clubs will be promoted from step 7. And more than 80 have paid the £120 fee to officially apply to go up.

If more than 40 are eligible for promotion, they will be chosen based on a points per match basis.

Where the eligible clubs count does not reach 40 in number, reprieves of step 6 clubs will come into effect on a points per match basis.

For any HPL clubs winning promotion, they must have floodlights installed and in working order by September 20, 2020. If that is not the case - and neither Infinity, Fleetlands or Bush Hill currently have them - a punishment could be imposed by the Wessex League.

Clubs that fail to provide floodlights by March 31, 2021, will be relegated regardless of their finishing position.