The 1980–81 Southern Football League season saw the league split into Midland and Southern Divisions. Alvechurch won the Midland Division, whilst Dartford won the Southern Division. Alvechurch were declared Southern League champions after defeating Dartford 4–3 on penalties, after the two championship play-offs had finished 3–3 on aggregate (Alvechurch won 1–0 at home and Dartford won 3–2). Despite Alvechuch being champions, they were not promoted to the Alliance Premier League alongside Dartford, with fourth-placed Trowbridge Town going up in their place. There was no relegation for the second successive season, although Bognor Regis Town transferred to the Isthmian League at the end of the season.
Contents
Bedford Town won the League Cup.
Midland Division
The Midland Division featured one new club, Redditch United, who had been relegated from the Alliance Premier League.
Southern Division
There were no new clubs in the Southern Division this season.