2004–05 Football Conference

The 2004–05 season was the 26th season of the Football Conference, and the 1st season following its expansion from one division to three divisions.

Overview

This season saw the Conference expanded to three divisions with the addition of the Conference North and Conference South added to the existing (and renamed) Conference National. The North and South Divisions were filled by teams finishing 1st–13th in the Northern Premier League Premier Division and 2nd–13th in the Isthmian League Premier Division and Southern League Premier Division the previous season (the champions were all promoted to the Conference National), together with winners of play-offs between the 14–18th placed clubs in the Southern League Premier, 14th–20th in the Isthmian and Northern Premier League Premier, as well as the top clubs from the divisions immediately below.

The Conference National was joined by Carlisle United and York City, who had been relegated from the Football League. Carlisle became the first club to compete in all top five tiers of English football, having reached the old First Division in 1974–75.

In addition to the winners and the teams that qualified for the play-offs, Exeter City fought gallantly in the FA Cup against Manchester United, holding them to a goalless draw in the third round on Old Trafford and finally going down 0–2 on home turf.

Conference National

A total of 22 teams contest the division, including 18 sides from last season, two relegated from the Football League Two, one promoted from the Southern Football League and one promoted from the Isthmian League. Winners and runners-up of Northern Premier League were unable to qualify in Conference National.

Promotion and relegation

Teams promoted from 2003–04 Southern Football League

Crawley Town

Teams promoted from 2003–04 Isthmian League

Canvey Island

Teams relegated from 2003–04 Football League Third Division

League table

Source: ^[1]^[2]^[3]
Notes:

^ a b New club in the Conference
^ Tamworth deducted 3 points for breach of League rules.
^ Northwich Victoria had 10 points deducted due to entering administration and ground requirements.
^ Forest Green Rovers were reprieved due to Northwich's relegation.

Locations

Gravesend & Northfleet

Greater London clubs
Barnet
Dagenham & Redbridge

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Locations of the Conference National 2004–05 teams

Barnet

Dagenham & Redbridge

Gravesend & Northfleet

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Locations of the Football Conference National London teams 2004–2005

Results

Updated to match(es) played on unknown. Source: [2] Soccerbase
Legend: Blue = home team win; Yellow = draw; Red = away team win.

Play-offs

Semifinals

2 May 2005

1st Leg

Broadhall Way, Stevenage

Attendance: 6,520

6 May 2005

2nd Leg

Edgar Street, Hereford

Attendance: 6,862

Stevenage Borough won 2–1 on Aggregate.

2 May 2005

1st Leg

Recreation Ground, Aldershot

Attendance: 6,617

6 May 2005

2nd Leg

Brunton Park, Carlisle

Attendance: 10,803

Carlisle United won 5–4 on penalties after tying 2–2 on Aggregate.

Play-Off Final

14 May 2005

19:30

Britannia Stadium, Stoke-on-Trent

Attendance: 13,422

Referee: Jonathan Moss

Topscorers

Source:^[1]

Conference North

First Conference North/South season saw competition of best 44 teams by the results of previous season from Northern Premier League, Southern Football League and Isthmian League, except Crawley Town and Canvey Island, promoted directly to Conference National. Teams were divided by geographical criteria.