US EditionYork Wins Promotion to English Football League After Extraordinary Late Drama at Rochdale
York need only a point, while Rochdale must win, in a title decider that also settles the National League’s lone automatic promotion spot.
- On Saturday, April 25, 2026, York City clinched the National League title and a return to the English Football League pyramid after a 1-1 draw against Rochdale.
- Both clubs dominated the National League, each amassing 100 points and scoring more than 200 goals, yet only one automatic promotion spot remained available.
- Rochdale led through Emmanuel Dieseruvwe's header five minutes into added time, but York City midfielder Josh Stones forced an equalizer 13 minutes into injury time.
- Referee Will Finnie confirmed the goal via technology after York threw 10 players forward, sparking pitch invasions as the late strike broke Rochdale's heart.
- The intense competition for a single automatic spot spurred clubs to launch the '3UP' campaign, advocating for three teams to be promoted into League Two.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Associated Press News
York wins promotion to English Football League after extraordinary late drama at Rochdale
York has scored a dramatic equalizer 13 minutes into injury time to draw 1-1 at Rochdale and clinch an extraordinary return to the main English Football League pyramid.
Rochdale and York City unite to demand ‘3UP’ ahead of National League title decider
Rochdale and York City have issued a joint statement calling for the introduction of ‘3UP’ as they prepare to meet in one of the most dramatic National League title deciders in recent memory. The post Rochdale and York City unite to demand ‘3UP’ ahead of National League title decider appeared first on The Non-League Football Paper.
Joint Statement From Dale & York City
Both ourselves and York City have the chance to write our names in National League history. The National League is no longer a non-league competition. It is effectively a League 3, with fully professional clubs operating at a level equal to or higher than many of those in League 2. We both understand how important this game is to both clubs and supporters. We both pledge now that whatever happens tomorrow, we will both continue to fight for 3UP…
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