National League announce shock venue for 2020-21 play-off final: Hartlepool United potentially facing a 600-mile round trip while Torquay United benefit

Ashton Gate Stadium, home of Championship outfit Bristol City, will play host to this season’s promotion final for the fifth tier on June 20.

The usual location of Wembley Stadium is off the table due to its hosting of Euro 2020 matches throughout June and into July.

As a result, Bristol’s 27,000 all-seater stadium has been selected as this season’s replacement. Supporters of both play-off finalists will be allowed to attend in limited numbers.

Should Hartlepool United get there, it will be a near 600-mile round trip for the club and its supporters. Torquay United who currently sit second in the table, would face the shortest journey at just under 100-miles.

The rest of the play-off candidates face a single trip of between 130 and 205 miles for the play-off final.

Pools currently sit fourth in the National League table with three games remaining. A play-off place is virtually guaranteed but a spot in the final remains some way off.

Failure to finish in the top three means Pools would host a play-off eliminator round game which they would have to win in order to advance to an away semi-final against a top three side.

Below Hartlepool, six teams are currently fighting for the final three play-off places. Just two points separate fifth and ninth in the table with 10th placed Eastleigh sitting six points adrift but still with an outside chance of sneaking in.

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