York City clinched a return to the English Football League in spectacular fashion when Josh Stones netted a dramatic equaliser deep into added time, sealing a 1‑1 draw that also saw Rochdale score an injury‑time winner of their own. The match, played at the Crown Oil Arena, was a high‑stakes encounter: Rochdale needed a victory to overtake league leaders York and claim the National League title and automatic promotion, while York were fighting to preserve their championship hopes. The drama unfolded after the regular 90 minutes when Rochdale surged forward and, five minutes into stoppage time, Emmanuel Dieseruvwe rose above the defense 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 roughly six minutes as fans celebrated the sudden lead. Only six minutes of additional time had initially been signalled, but the interruption extended the period considerably. When play resumed, the clock read 103 minutes.
York, refusing to concede defeat, threw the bulk of their squad forward in a desperate search for an equaliser. In the final moments of the match, Stones found himself amid a chaotic scramble inside the penalty area. He managed to steer the ball over the line, securing the equaliser with what appeared to be the last kick of the game.
Referee Will Finnie consulted his assistant before confirming the goal, prompting another wave of celebration—this time from the visiting York fans who stormed the pitch. Rochdale’s promotion hopes were not entirely extinguished; they could still pursue a place in the playoffs. Earlier in the injury‑time period, York defender Callum Howe inadvertently headed a corner from Casey Pettit onto his own crossbar, narrowly missing an opportunity that might have put the game beyond Rochdale’s reach.
Nevertheless, York’s resilience paid off. After amassing 108 points to clinch the league title, the club completed a remarkable resurgence, having spent the previous five seasons in the National League North, the sixth tier of English football.
Stones reflected on the significance of the moment, saying, "If the final whistle had blown at 0‑0, it would have been a travesty for the league. I’m overjoyed. We earned this as a group—players, staff, fans.
I love this club and it meant everything to me. I thought the game was over, but the boys never say never.
Honestly, I hope Rochdale go on and win the playoffs; they’ve been incredible. I missed a chance at 0‑0 and thought if we lost 1‑0 I wouldn’t sleep for days. Now I won’t sleep for days—in a good way." York manager Stuart Maynard echoed the sentiment, describing the atmosphere as a blend of belief and unity. "Before Rochdale scored it felt like ‘Rochdale time’, after their goal it became ‘York time’.
There’s a genuine belief and togetherness in this camp," he told DAZN. "Look at the fans behind us. When I first arrived, 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 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, throwing, and moving the ball forward. With this group, we never give up, and they deserve it." Maynard praised his squad, noting, "These players behind me are incredible. They work tirelessly every day. We’re one big family, and I love each and every one of them.
I hope Rochdale get promoted. It’s absurd in this league that teams can collect over 100 points and still miss out on automatic promotion." The match not only secured York’s promotion but also highlighted the intense emotional roller‑coaster that characterises the final day of the National League.
Both clubs displayed commendable determination: Rochdale, despite the setback, will regroup and aim for a playoff spot, while York will celebrate a historic achievement, returning to the EFL after a long absence. The game will be remembered for its extraordinary stoppage‑time drama, the fervent fan invasions, and the indomitable spirit of a team that refused to surrender until the very last second. For fans eager to stay updated, the Sky Sports App offers live coverage through the Transfer Centre, and there’s also a chance to win £250,000 in the Super 6 competition, entry to which is free.