Broadcasting behind move to bring kick-off times forward

Broadcasting has been cited as the reason behind the National League's decision to move all kick-offs on the final days of the season to 12.30pm.

On Thursday, the league said all games across the three divisions would kick off earlier - including Brackley's 249-mile trip to Carlisle United in the National League, South Shields' 237-mile trip to Kidderminster Harriers in the North and a 216-mile journey for Torquay heading to Tonbridge Angels in the South.

Hereford were due to be away at Peterborough Sports, but the fixtures being switched due to Edgar Street pitch problems means they will be at home.

It means the Turbines face the 141-mile journey across the country, though the league did not give a reason publicly behind the move.

As clubs announced the news to their fans throughout the afternoon, National League South side Hornchurch, who beat Hereford 3-1 in the FA Trophy final at Wembley in 2021, cited games being broadcast as the reason.

"The National League has made this decision to allow for the broadcast of more fixtures on this date, due to UEFA Article 48 (the ‘Saturday 3pm blackout’) being in effect on this date," the East London club said.

However, it has not been said which games DAZN will broadcast but it's likely to depend on which games have most riding on them for clubs' hopes of being crowned champions, securing a play-off place or avoiding relegation.