The FA Women’s National League, like the rest of football in the UK, was dealt a crippling blow in 2020 by Covid-19, the coronavirus pandemic that led to a nationwide lockdown and - in the FAWNL’s case - not just a cessation but a voiding of the competition’s 2019-20 season.
The campaign was well into its second half when, on 26 March 2020, The Football Association confirmed that not only the FAWNL’s but also the men’s National League’s completed results and subsequent tables would be voided.
In a statement the sport’s governing body said: ‘These are challenging circumstances for English football and all decisions taken are in the best interests of the game and in consultation across key stakeholders.
“Our primary concern will always be for the safety and welfare of clubs, players, staff, officials, volunteers and supporters during this unprecedented time.
“Today’s steps take into account the financial impact during this uncertain period, whilst considering the fairest method on how the sporting outcomes for the season will be decided, with the integrity of the Leagues in mind.
“The NLS and the Women’s Football Pyramid were able to build a consensus amongst their leagues and, where possible, aimed to create a consistent approach across all leagues, whilst taking into account the unique characteristics of each individual league.
“As a result, The FA and NLS Steps 3 to 6 have reached a consensus that their 2019-20 season will now be brought to an end, and all results will be expunged.”
This decision was ratified on 9 April and then, on 25 May, The FA announced that the Women’s Super League and Championship seasons would also be ended. Unlike in the FAWNL, however, promotion and relegation issues were to be resolved for the top two tiers.
On 5 June came The FA announcement: “Our Board has reached a majority decision to decide the 2019-20 Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship on a basic point-per-game (PPG) basis, with promotion and relegation determined on sporting merit.”
That decision was greeted by anguish among those FAWNL clubs who, if PPG had been applied to the lower tiers, would have been promoted within the league or had the chance of promotion via the Championship play-off.
Under those circumstances Sunderland, clear leaders of the Northern Premier Division as the season was cancelled, would have qualified for the play-off.
With the FAWNL Cup also cancelled after the semi-finals had been played, Sunderland were unable to meet Stoke City in what would have been the final.
Meanwhile in the Southern Premier Division at the point the season was closed, Crawley Wasps were on top with 37 points from 12 outings, but second placed Watford - who were on 28 points - had three games in hand.
