8th tier club Portishead Town have been left ‘devastated’ after being relegated despite a 2nd place finish with 95 points.
The club announce that they will not feature in the Southern League – South Division play-offs, but instead are going down a step following Ground Grading issues.
Instead, Bishop’s Cleeve, who finished 6th, will now play Malvern Town in the play-off semi-finals. A statement has been issued by Portishead Town and the league…
Club Statement ⚪️⚫️ pic.twitter.com/SnoxrJVBy0
— Portishead Town FC (@PortisheadTown) April 27, 2026
CLUB STATEMENT:
“Portishead Town FC is devastated to announce that, despite a remarkable performance on the pitch this season, the club will be relegated to Step 5.
“In recent years, this club has expanded, flourished, and thrived at an incredible pace. As we have grown, we have relied on the football authorities to guide us through the complexities of moving up the pyramid. It is a bitter irony that we are now, effectively, a victim of our own success-penalised by a system that we trusted to support our rapid progress.
“This relegation follows a decision by the FA to revoke a previously granted extension until 31st July 2026.
“This revocation stems from ground grading concerns relating to stands not being installed by the end of March 2026.
“We wish to make it clear that stands were ordered. constructed and awaiting installation but due to outstanding unresolved health and safety matters beyond our control it would not have been safe to continue. We therefore asked for a small extension of time which would have seen all work completed by July 2026. This extension was refused.
“Throughout this process, the club followed every instruction provided by FA advisors, who encouraged us to ‘get the small things done’ and ‘apply for an extension.’ We were never advised that our progress was insufficient. To the contrary, 8 out of 10 clubs in similar positions were granted extensions, while two others were relegated solely on league position.
“Despite being told at the start of our appeal that this would be a ‘footballing decision.’ it clearly is not. Our appeal has since been rejected, a decision that feels like a betrayal of the spirit of the game. Regardless of local rivalries, football as a whole has lost today.
“PTFC already has plans in place-actioned and funded by our club and the local community-to complete all necessary works on our own accord by July 2026. We remain committed to achieving Step 3 grading by that date, regardless of this setback.
“To our players, management, volunteers, and supporters: we are deeply sorry. You give everything to this club and this community, and you deserved better. We are incredibly grateful for your unwavering loyalty.
“We will fight on. We will meet the standards required. And we will be back.”
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LEAGUE STATEMENT:
The Southern League wishes to provide a further update following the statement issued on the Division 1 South play-offs
The appeal concerning a regulatory matter has been concluded. The play offs will be:
Malvern Town v Bishops Cleeve
Winchester City v Shaftesbury
Here’s what fans are saying with the 8th tier club left ‘devastated’ after being relegated despite 2nd place finish with 95 points…
@sihawk89: Does Portishead’s demotion also mean there will a reprieve of Willand who finished 19th?
@boardroom70: A shambles of the highest order. I trust those impacted at Steps 4 and 6 will get a full explanation and accountability, firstly from the Southern League and then the F.A. Ground grading failed in March, then a decision a day before the first game. Accountability zero thus far.
@Prangman6: This must be a joke? Wild 🤯🤯🤯
@edmonds_mark: Whether we benefit or not, sounds like a really harsh decision on Portishead that one.
@AS_FootyReview: This is mental…. Absolutely mental 🤯
@ryandavies07: Wild decision when a team finishes 2nd with 95 points… @FA this is shocking
@EthanFeltham: What a fucking disgrace @FA!!! Everything we’ve put into this season and the past 3 years and you’ve made this fucking decision.
@SheridanSparkes: 95 points from 42 games and they’ve been arbitrarily relegated at the end of the season because ah nej, not enough seats, down you go. This kind of relegation surely isn’t in the spirit of a competitive pyramid?
@WinchFans: Whilst I have sympathy for any genuine Portishead supporter & although may be perceived harsh, you surely can’t be surprised by this decision? Stevie Wonder could see ground wasn’t fit enough for Step 4, let alone 3? No mention of Turnstiles or toilets in this statement either?
@DmitriusOld: I really feel for everyone at the club. Sometimes I wonder, I really do, if the FA really gives a stuff about this level of the game and what it means.
@SammiH19: Gutted for you guys 😞
@rachaelcaz: Gutted for the players at Portishead Town 😢
@jodeb9: Absolute disgrace from the @FA
@CleeveWestTown: Incredibly harsh. If the improvements are ready for next season, what’s the issue? Football is stupid sometimes.
@wesBCFC: This is such a joke after all they done this season for this to happen to them is mental
@ENGkemish94: You just know Willand are going to get a reprieve. 🤣
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