In a match that will be remembered for its nail‑biting climax, York clinched promotion back to the English Football League thanks to a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time, while their rivals Rochdale also found the net in injury time, forcing a 1‑1 stalemate. The decisive goal came from York striker Josh Stones, who struck just 13 minutes into the added period, effectively sealing York's ascent to the Football League after a season of relentless effort. Rochdale entered the game with a clear objective: a win would allow them to overtake York and claim the National League crown, securing automatic promotion at the Crown Oil Arena.
Their opportunity arrived five minutes after the regulation 90 minutes had elapsed, when Emmanuel Dieseruvwe rose above the defence to head home a cross delivered by seasoned midfielder Ian Henderson. The goal sparked a spontaneous pitch invasion by the home supporters, halting play for approximately six minutes while the celebratory crowd flooded the field. Although only six minutes of extra time had been officially allotted, the interruption meant that the match did not resume until the clock read 103 minutes.
It was at this juncture that York, refusing to surrender, threw virtually the entire team forward in a last‑ditch attack. In a chaotic scramble inside the box, Stones managed to force the ball over the line, a goal that was only confirmed after referee Will Finnie consulted his assistant. The decision triggered a second pitch invasion, this time by visiting fans eager to witness the historic moment.
Rochdale's hopes of promotion remain alive through the play‑off route, and they nearly added another late goal when York defender Callum Howe inadvertently headed a corner taken by Casey Pettit onto his own crossbar. Despite that close call, York's triumph was already sealed after they amassed 108 points to top the league, completing a remarkable resurgence after spending five seasons in the National League North, the sixth tier of English football.
The Sky Sports app now offers a live Transfer Centre for fans to stay updated on the latest moves, underscoring the growing interest in York's rapid rise. After the match, Stones reflected on the emotional rollercoaster: "If the final whistle had blown at 0‑0, it would have been a tragedy for the league. I'm overjoyed.
This victory belongs to the entire group – the staff, the supporters, everyone. I love this club and it means the world to me. I thought it was over, but the lads never say never.
Honestly, I hope Rochdale go on to win the play‑offs – they've been phenomenal. I missed a chance to keep it 0‑0 and thought if we lost 1‑0 I wouldn't sleep for days. Now I'm not sleeping for days, but in a good way." York manager Stuart Maynard praised his squad's unity and belief during a post‑match interview with DAZN: "Before Rochdale scored, it felt like 'Rochdale time'; after they did, it became 'York time'. There's a genuine belief and togetherness in this camp.
Look at the fans behind us – when I first arrived, I told everyone we had to be in this together; the players are warriors. When they scored, they came over to the dugout and said there was one more chance for us. That belief kept us going. "Everything went out the window.
Everyone pushed forward, we had no one left back. We kept kicking, then throwing the ball forward. With this group, we know they will fight to the very end, and they deserve it.
Look at all these players behind me – they are incredible, working tirelessly every day. We're one big family and I love every single one of them. "I hope Rochdale get promoted.
It's absurd in this league that a team can earn over 100 points and still not go up." The match also featured a promotional element, inviting fans to join the Super 6 competition for a chance to win £250,000, with free entry available. This thrilling encounter not only secured York's promotion but also highlighted the fierce competition and sportsmanship that define the National League, setting the stage for an exciting play‑off series and a promising future for both clubs.