Promotion chasers confirmed by FA

A total of 68 clubs playing in the 14 leagues at Step 5 of the National League System have applied to join the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League, EVO-STIK League Southern and the Ryman League for the 2017-18 campaign, a rise of seven from last season.

Clubs at Step 5 had until November 30 to complete their applications ahead of the FA's deadline. While the Northern League generated the fewest applications, just two, seven clubs from the North West Counties Football League are among those hoping to kick-off in the EVO-STIK NPL next term.

The Spartan South Midlands League had the most applications with eight clubs applying. Promotion is subject to clubs passing their relevant ground-grading inspections by the FA's March 31 deadline.

Step 5 promotion hopefuls

Combined Counties League
Camberley Town FC
Epsom & Ewell FC
Hartley Wintney FC
Walton & Hersham FC
Westfield FC

Eastern Counties League
Felixstowe and Walton United FC
Mildenhall Town FC
Newmarket Town FC
Stanway Rovers FC

Essex Senior League
Barking FC
Clapton FC
FC Romania
Ilford FC
Waltham Forest FC

Hellenic League
Bracknell Town FC
Flackwell Heath FC
Thame United FC
Thatcham Town FC

Midland Football League
Alvechurch FC
Coleshill Town FC
Coventry United FC
Heanor Town FC
Sporting Khalsa FC
Westfields FC

North West Counties League
1874 Northwich FC
AFC Liverpool
Atherton Collieries FC
Bootle FC
Padiham FC
Runcorn Linnets FC
Runcorn Town FC

Northern Counties East League
Bridlington Town AFC
Cleethorpes Town FC
Handsworth Parramore FC
Pickering Town Community FC
Thackley FC

Northern League
Bishop Auckland FC
South Shields FC

Southern Combination
Haywards Heath Town FC
Horsham YMCA FC
Pagham FC
Shoreham FC

Southern Counties East League
AFC Croydon Athletic
Corinthian FC
Crowborough Athletic FC
Hollands & Blair FC
Sevenoaks Town FC
Sheppey United FC
Whitstable Town FC

Spartan South Midlands League
Berkhamsted FC
Biggleswade United FC
Hertford Town FC
Hoddesdon Town FC
London Colney FC
Tring Athletic FC
Welwyn Garden City FC
Wembley FC

United Counties League
Eynesbury Rovers FC
Newport Pagnell Town FC
Peterborough Sports FC

Wessex League
AFC Portchester
Blackfield & Langley FC
Moneyfields FC

Western League
Bristol Manor Farm FC
Buckland Athletic FC
Clevedon Town AFC
Melksham Town FC
Street FC

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