The 1930–31 season was the 33rd in the history of the Southern League. The league consisted of Eastern and Western Divisions.[1] Dartford won the Eastern Division on goal average (had goal difference been used, Aldershot Town would have been champions) and Exeter City reserves won the Western Division. Dartford were declared Southern League champions after winning a championship play-off 7–2.
Two clubs from the Southern League applied to join the Football League, although neither were successful.
| Competition: | Southern Football League Eastern Division |
| Season: | 1930–31 |
| Winners: | Dartford (1st title) |
| Promoted: | none |
| Relegated: | Thames II (resigned) |
| Matches: | 72 |
| Total Goals: | 346 |
| Prevseason: | 1929–30 |
| Nextseason: | 1931–32 |
A total of 9 teams contest the division, including 8 sides from previous season and one new team.
Newly elected team:
| Competition: | Southern Football League Western Division |
| Season: | 1930–31 |
| Winners: | Exeter City II |
| Promoted: | none |
| Relegated: | Newport County II (resigned) |
| Matches: | 132 |
| Total Goals: | 600 |
| Prevseason: | 1929–30 |
| Nextseason: | 1931–32 |
A total of 12 teams contest the division, including 11 sides from previous season and one new team.
Team relegated from 1929–30 Football League:
Two Southern League clubs, Aldershot and Merthyr Town, applied to join the Football League, with Merthyr applying to join both Division Three North and Division Three South.[2]
| Club | League | First round votes | Second round votes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rochdale | Football League | 40 | |
| Chester | Cheshire League | 27 | 28 |
| Nelson | Football League | 27 | 20 |
| Manchester Central | Lancashire Combination | 4 | |
| Merthyr Town | Southern League | 0 |
| Club | League | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norwich City | Football League | 38 | |
| Mansfield Town | Midland League | 25 | |
| Newport County | Football League | 19 | |
| Aldershot Town | Southern League | 14 | |
| Merthyr Town | Southern League | 2 |