Rochdale snatch dramatic late winner to set up National League title showdown with York City

The National League title was moments away from being in York City's hands, but dramatic events involving Rochdale mean that it will go down to the wire.

Last weekend was the penultimate one in the fifth tier, with both the Minstermen and the Dale kicking off simultaneously against Yeovil Town and Braintree Town , respectively.

Stuart Maynard's men took care of business with a convincing 3-0 win over Yeovil Town , but Jimmy McNulty's side made much harder work of relegated Braintree.

The final whistle had already been blown at the LNER Community Stadium, with York running out victors, and the players would have been keeping a close eye on events at the Rare Breed Meat Co. Stadium with the score locked at 1-1.

However, Rochdale managed to salvage victory right at the death, and now the top two must face off on the final day of the season.

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Watch Emmanuel Dieseruvwe grab late Rochdale winner

It has been a dizzying season for Rochdale, who had the title in the palm of their hands in February, only to be chasing York at the end of the campaign.

Heading into the away clash with Braintree, the mission was clear: match the Minstermen's result, or the title was out of reach.

Indeed, it was Maynard's men who made the first move, with Ollie Pearce putting his side ahead with his 34th goal of the season, but then the Dale also struck first in their game courtesy of Aidan Barlow.

However, with York cruising to victory, Rochdale let the National League title slip through their fingers as John Akinde levelled for Braintree in the 91st minute.

McNulty's side, though, do not know when they are beaten as their top goalscorer Emmanuel Dieseruvwe latched onto a long ball to slot home an incredible winner.

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Dieseruvwe keeps National League title race alive with late winner

Watch Braintree Town vs. Rochdale highlights

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What this means for the National League title race and promotion

With both York and Rochdale securing wins, it means that the teams will do battle on the final day of the season in a winner-takes-all decider.

There is only one automatic promotion spot available in the fifth tier, meaning that whoever claims top spot will not only be crowned champions, but they will also take the solo automatic promotion spot to League Two.

For whoever comes second, it means that they must dust themselves off fast and embark on a play-off campaign that they could do without, alongside Carlisle United , Boreham Wood , Scunthorpe United , Forest Green Rovers and Southend United .

Last term, York finished as runners-up and missed out via the play-offs, with Oldham, who finished 23 points behind them, achieving promotion via the play-offs.

So, will Dieseruvwe's winner spur the Dale on for victory next weekend? Watch every inch of the action live on DAZN.

• Read next | How do the National League play-offs work?

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