They were decided prior to start of the season and based on geographical location.
What was decided prior to the start of the season was that the FA Leagues Committee would allocate based on the most suitable geographical basis once the teams were known.
Had the qualifying teams been, for example, Brightlingsea, Leiston, Hednesford and Merthyr the cross divisional pairings would have been different.
While I'm here, let me thank you for all your efforts throughout the season keeping us informed of all those myriad appointments !!! Thank you, indeed.
..... and Toprefm yes they could.