Bishops Cleeve added to Southern League play-offs following Portishead Town decision
Photos taken with copyright to Ben Shepherd. Follow Ben on Instragram @benshep.photo for more of his work
Bishops Cleeve have been added into the Southern League Division One play-offs following the FA’s decision around Portishead Town.
On Friday, the Southern League released the following statement ahead of the final games in the regular season.
“A regulatory issue regarding a recent FA decision involving a club occupying a play-off place is ongoing, with an appeal to be heard 10 am on Monday 27 April.
This may impact the play off fixtures, so a confirmed play-off schedule will be released Monday afternoon.
Supporters are advised not to make travel plans yet.
Play-off semi-finals remain set for 19:45 on Wednesday 29 April, with the final at 15:00 on Monday 4 May, hosted by the highest-ranked club.“
READ MORE: Submit your nominations in the Severn Sport End of Season Awards 2026 by clicking here
Following the final game of the season, the Mitres found themselves outside of the play-offs by a point – but following the appeal meeting, Portishead Town have been relegated due to the FA revoking an initial extension for Portishead to make the necessary changes in order to meet the ground grading requirements.
In a statement the club announced on social media, the decision to revoke the initial extension follows on from Portishead failing to install stands by the end of March 2026.
As a result of the decision, Portishead Town will now play in step 5 for the 2026/27 season, meaning Bishops Cleeve will now head to Malvern Town in the play-offs on Wednesday evening.
It is believed that the decision will also see relegated side, Willand Rovers, receive a reprieve and remain in the Southern League next season.
The Southern League have released the following statement on Monday afternoon simply saying:
“The Pitching In Southern League wishes to provide a further update following the statement issued regarding the Division One South play-offs.
The appeal concerning a regulatory matter has been concluded and the play offs will be:
Malvern Town v Bishops Cleeve
Winchester City v Shaftesbury“
The winner will go on to play the winner of the second Semi Final between Winchester City and Shaftesbury on Monday 4 May in the play-off final.
READ MORE: Submit your nominations in the Severn Sport End of Season Awards 2026 by clicking here
Cover photo taken with copyright by Ben Shepherd. To view photos from this match and other matches follow him on Instagram @benshep.photo or click here to view his website.
