Josh Stones equalized 13 minutes into added time, returning York to the Football League. It resulted in a dramatic 1-1 draw, with rivals Rochdale scoring in stoppage time.
Rochdale needed a win to take league leaders York to the National League title and automatic promotion at the Crown Oil Arena, but they scored with Emmanuel Dieselvwe’s header five minutes from time on 90 points.
He rose to convert a cross from veteran Ian Henderson, causing a pitch invasion by the home supporters and the match being delayed by six minutes.
There were only six minutes of added time left, but by the time the match was restarted it was in the 103rd minute that York striker Stones scored the equalizer with essentially the last kick of the match.
He forced the ball over the line with a terrible scramble after York threw ten players forward, but the goal was confirmed after referee Will Finney consulted with his assistants, but caused another pitch invasion, this time by the visiting fans.
Rochdale could still be in the play-offs and could have scored in first-half stoppage time when York defender Callum Howe hit Casey Pettit’s corner-kick onto his own crossbar.
However, champion York, who won the league with 108 points, made a spectacular comeback after spending five seasons in the National League North, where they recently finished sixth.
Drama in pictures…
York City’s Josh Stones wins promotion from the National League with an injury-time equalizer against Rochdale
York City players celebrate after Josh Stones scores a late equalizer against Rochdale
York City’s Josh Stones celebrates full time
