National League South Table: 2025/26 Standings and Promotion Race

As of late January 2026, Worthing leads the National League South table with 50 points from 26 matches, followed closely by Hornchurch and Weston-super-Mare. The battle for the single automatic promotion spot to the National League is currently a three-horse race, with only three points separating the top three teams. This article provides a comprehensive deep dive into the current standings, the mechanics of the promotion play-offs, and an analysis of every club competing in the sixth tier of English football this season.

In this guide, you will find a detailed breakdown of the 2025/26 league structure, including the specific criteria for promotion and the “relegation trapdoor” to Step 3. We also cover stadium information, historical context of the division since its 2004 inception, and practical tips for fans planning to visit these grounds. Whether you are a die-hard supporter of a coastal club like Torquay United or a follower of a rising London side like Hornchurch, this resource serves as the ultimate authoritative reference for the National League South.

Current National League South Standings

The 2025/26 season has been defined by a remarkably tight race at the summit of the table. Worthing currently occupies the top spot, having secured 15 wins and a league-high goal difference of +31. They are being pursued by Hornchurch, who sit on 49 points, and Weston-super-Mare, who have accumulated 48 points with a game in hand over the leaders.

This season is particularly competitive because several former National League giants, such as Dagenham & Redbridge and Torquay United, are fighting to regain their status in the fifth tier. The mid-table is currently congested, with teams from 6th to 12th place separated by fewer than six points, making every weekend’s results pivotal for play-off qualification.

Automatic Promotion and Title Race

The team that finishes in 1st place at the end of the 46-game season earns automatic promotion to the National League. Currently, Worthing’s attacking prowess has made them favorites, but their defensive consistency is being tested by a resurgent Hornchurch side. The title winner not only moves up the pyramid but also secures the prestigious National League South trophy.

Historically, the title race often goes down to the final two weeks of April. To maintain their lead, Worthing will need to navigate a difficult run of away fixtures in February against top-seven rivals. Fans should keep a close eye on the “points per game” metrics as several teams have matches to make up due to winter weather postponements.

The Play-Off Structure Explained

Teams finishing between 2nd and 7th position qualify for the promotion play-offs, a high-stakes knockout tournament. The 2nd and 3rd placed teams receive a direct bye to the semi-finals, while those finishing 4th through 7th must compete in a single-leg eliminator round. This structure rewards regular-season consistency by giving the top finishers a shorter path to the final.

All play-off matches are hosted by the higher-ranked team, providing a significant home-field advantage. The Promotion Final is typically held at the ground of the highest-seeded finalist, and the winner joins the league champions in the National League for the following season.

Relegation Battle and Survival

At the bottom of the table, the fight for survival is equally intense as four teams are relegated to Step 3 (Isthmian or Southern Leagues). Currently, Chippenham Town, Eastbourne Borough, and Enfield Town are languishing in the bottom three, struggling to find the wins necessary to bridge the gap to safety.

Relegation is a significant financial blow to clubs, often resulting in the loss of professional status for those operating on full-time models. The “safe” threshold is generally considered to be 50 points, though in a competitive season like 2025/26, teams may need closer to 52 points to guarantee their spot in the division for next year.

Top Scorers and Player Stats

Individual brilliance has defined the 2025/26 campaign, with several strikers eyeing the 20-goal milestone. While the league is known for its physicality, the technical quality of attackers has risen, leading to higher-scoring matches compared to previous decades. Leading scorers often use this platform to earn moves to the EFL or top-tier National League sides.

Goalkeepers in the National League South are also under the spotlight, with clean sheet counts becoming a vital metric for teams like Weston-super-Mare, who rely on a “defense-first” philosophy. Monitoring the “Assists” table is equally important, as wingers and creative midfielders are the primary architects of the league’s most successful offenses.

Stadiums and Matchday Experiences

The National League South features a diverse array of venues, ranging from traditional coastal stadiums to modern community hubs. Torquay United’s Plainmoor remains one of the largest and most historic grounds in the division, boasting a capacity of over 6,500. Conversely, clubs like Dorking Wanderers play at modern facilities with artificial 3G pitches that allow for year-round play.

For traveling fans, these grounds offer some of the most authentic experiences in English football. Most clubs provide dedicated away sections, though many smaller grounds allow for “segregation-free” viewing, where fans of both teams can mix and enjoy the local clubhouse atmosphere.

National League South History

Founded in 2004 as the Conference South, this division was created to bridge the gap between regional leagues and the national game. Over the last two decades, it has evolved from a semi-professional regional tier into a highly professionalized environment. Famous past winners include clubs like Sutton United and Newport County, both of whom successfully transitioned into the Football League.

The league has undergone several name changes due to sponsorship, but its core purpose remains the same: serving as the gateway to professional football for clubs across Southern England and South Wales. The 2024/25 champions, Truro City, set a high bar for the current crop of teams to follow.

Tactical Trends in Step 2

Modern tactics have permeated the sixth tier, with many managers adopting high-pressing systems and 3-5-2 formations. The days of “long ball” football are largely over in the National League South, as coaches now prioritize ball retention and transition speed. This shift is partly due to the increased prevalence of high-quality artificial surfaces across the league.

Clubs like Worthing are celebrated for their “total football” approach, building play from the back even under heavy pressure. However, the physical demands of a 46-game season mean that teams must also possess the grit to win “ugly” during the muddy winter months.

Financial Landscape of the League

Operating a club in the National League South requires significant investment, with top-tier budgets now exceeding £1 million annually. Revenue is primarily generated through gate receipts, sponsorship deals, and FA Cup runs. The financial disparity between full-time professional clubs and part-time outfits often dictates the movement within the table.

Financial sustainability remains a major talking point for the league’s board. While some clubs benefit from wealthy owners, others rely on community ownership models to survive. The cost-of-living crisis has also impacted attendances, forcing clubs to be more innovative with their ticketing and hospitality offerings.

Practical Information and Planning

Attending a National League South match is a budget-friendly way to enjoy high-quality live sports. Most matches take place on Saturdays at 3:00 PM or Tuesday evenings at 7:45 PM. It is always advisable to check club websites for fixture changes due to cup ties or weather conditions.

• Opening Hours: Gates typically open 90 minutes before kick-off.
• Prices/Costs: Adult tickets generally range from £15 to £20; concessions and under-18s usually pay £5 to £10.
• How to Get There: Most grounds are accessible via local rail networks or supporter coaches. Large stadiums like Torquay and Maidstone have dedicated parking, but smaller urban grounds require street parking.
• What to Expect: A passionate, community-driven atmosphere with access to food kiosks (famous for “football pies”) and licensed bars.
• Tips for Visitors: Buy tickets online in advance to save a few pounds and avoid queues at the turnstiles.

Winter Fixture Congestion

The months of December and January are often the most challenging period for National League South clubs. Waterlogged pitches and freezing temperatures frequently lead to postponements, resulting in a “fixture pile-up” in March and April. Teams with deeper squads tend to perform better during these stretches, as they can rotate players to manage fatigue.

This congestion can drastically alter the look of the table. A team in 10th place might have three games in hand over a team in 6th, meaning the “true” standings aren’t always clear until mid-spring. Fans should pay close attention to the “Games Played” column when analyzing the promotion race.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is top of the National League South table right now? 

Worthing currently leads the table as of January 2026, though Hornchurch and Weston-super-Mare are within three points. The lead has swapped hands several times this season, indicating a high level of competition.

How many teams are promoted from the National League South? 

Two teams are promoted each season: the champions (1st place) and the winner of the promotion play-offs. The play-offs involve teams finishing between 2nd and 7th place.

Which teams are in the relegation zone? 

Currently, the bottom four places are occupied by Chippenham Town, Eastbourne Borough, Enfield Town, and Hampton & Richmond Borough. These teams are fighting to avoid the drop to Step 3.

How do the National League South play-offs work? 

The 4th through 7th placed teams play a single-leg eliminator. The winners face the 2nd and 3rd placed teams in the semi-finals, followed by a one-off final at the highest-ranked team’s ground.

What is the average attendance for a National League South game? 

The average attendance for the 2025/26 season is approximately 1,285 fans per match. Larger clubs like Torquay United often pull in crowds exceeding 3,500.

Is the National League South professional or semi-pro? 

It is a mix of both. Many top-half teams like Dorking Wanderers and Ebbsfleet United operate on a full-time professional basis, while others maintain a part-time, semi-professional model.

Where can I watch National League South highlights? 

Official highlights are usually available on the National League’s dedicated streaming platform, National League TV, and on the individual YouTube channels of the competing clubs.

What are the rules for a tie on points in the table? 

If teams are level on points, the order is determined by goal difference, followed by total goals scored, and then the head-to-head record between the involved teams.

Which stadium has the highest capacity in the league? 

Plainmoor, the home of Torquay United, has the highest capacity in the division, holding 6,500 spectators. Other large grounds include Maidstone United’s Gallagher Stadium.

Final Thoughts

The 2025/26 National League South season has solidified its reputation as one of the most unpredictable and physically demanding divisions in the English football pyramid. With Worthing, Hornchurch, and Weston-super-Mare currently spearheading the table, the race for the solitary automatic promotion spot is set to be a definitive tactical battle through the spring. The introduction of full-time professional models across more than half the league has elevated the quality of play, making the transition from Step 2 to the National League more seamless than ever before.

As the season progresses toward the high-stakes play-offs in May, the “points per game” metric will become as crucial as the live standings due to winter postponements. For fans and analysts, the National League South table is more than just a list of results; it is a reflection of the growing professionalism and community passion that defines non-league football today. Whether your club is fighting for a historic title or battling for survival at the foot of the table, the final 20 matches of this campaign promise to deliver the drama and intensity that only the sixth tier can provide.

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