York City clinched promotion back to the English Football League in spectacular fashion, thanks to a last‑gasp equaliser from striker Josh Stones that came deep into added time. The match, which ended 1‑1, also featured a late winner for Rochdale, making the outcome a true roller‑coaster for both clubs. Rochdale entered the game needing a victory to overtake league leaders York and claim the National League crown as well as the automatic promotion slot at the Crown Oil Arena.

Their chance arrived just five minutes after the regular 90 minutes had elapsed when Emmanuel Dieseruvwe rose highest to meet a cross from seasoned midfielder Ian Henderson. Dieseruvwe’s powerful header found the back of the net, prompting a spontaneous pitch invasion by the home fans that halted play for roughly six minutes.

Only six minutes of stoppage time had been initially allocated, but by the moment the game resumed the clock read 103 minutes. York, refusing to surrender, pushed ten men forward in a desperate final assault. In the ensuing scramble, Stones managed to nudge the ball across the line, a goal that was only confirmed after referee Will Finnie consulted his assistant.

The equaliser triggered a second incursion onto the field, this time by the visiting supporters, underscoring the intensity of the moment. Rochdale’s promotion hopes were not entirely extinguished; the club could still reach the play‑offs.

Earlier in the injury period, York defender Callum Howe inadvertently headed a corner taken by Casey Pettit onto his own cross‑bar, a near‑miss that could have altered the final score. Nevertheless, York’s season concluded triumphantly with 108 points, a remarkable turnaround after five seasons in the sixth‑tier National League North. After the match, Stones reflected on the emotional roller‑coaster: "If the game had finished 0‑0 it would have been a travesty for the league.

I’m overjoyed – we earned this as a group, with the staff and the fans. I love this club and it meant everything.

I thought it was over, but the boys never say never. Honestly I hope Rochdale go on and win the playoffs – they’ve been unbelievable.

I missed a chance at 0‑0 and thought if we lost 1‑0 I wouldn’t sleep for days. Now I’m not going to sleep for days, in a good way." York manager Stuart Maynard echoed the sentiment, explaining the shifting momentum: "Before Rochdale scored it was ‘Rochdale time’, then it became ‘York time’. There’s a real belief and togetherness in this camp. Look at the fans behind us – when I first joined I said we all had to be in this together; the players are warriors.

When they scored they came over to the dugout and said there’s one more chance for us. There’s a real belief in us and it kept us going. Everything went out the window. Everyone went up front, we had no one back.

Kick it, then we get a throw and throw it forward. With this group they keep going to the end and they deserve it.

See all these players behind me, they are incredible. They work so hard, tirelessly every day. We’re one big family and I love every single one of them.

I hope Rochdale go up. It’s criminal in this league that teams can get over 100 points and not go up." The match also highlighted the broader narrative of York’s resurgence. After languishing in the National League North, the club embarked on a rapid ascent, culminating in a league‑winning campaign that saw them amass a points total rarely seen outside the top tier. Their promotion is a testament to strategic recruitment, cohesive team spirit, and a fan base that never stopped believing.

Rochdale, despite the disappointment of missing out on automatic promotion, still have a pathway to the EFL through the play‑offs. Their late goal demonstrated resilience, and manager comments suggest they will regroup and aim for success in the post‑season. The drama of the final minutes will be remembered as a defining moment for both clubs, illustrating how a single goal can reshape fortunes in football’s unforgiving landscape. The Sky Sports app now offers a live Transfer Centre, allowing fans to stay updated on player movements as the summer window approaches.

Additionally, a Super 6 competition promises a £250,000 prize, giving supporters another reason to stay engaged with the sport during the off‑season.