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York City and Rochdale's National League classic emphasises clear 3Up campaign message
It would be hard to deny that the final day thriller between Rochdale and York City was the greatest advert for the National League, but the game was doused with a sense of cruelty.
In what was a winner-takes-all clash for not only the title, but for the solo automatic promotion spot to the Football League, it was the Minstermen who triumphed after Josh Stones' 103rd-minute leveller cancelled out Emmanuel Dieseruwe's 95th-minute goal in the 1-1 humdinger.
Relive the final day drama as York City clinch National League title
Watch Rochdale vs. York highlights
For Rochdale, they must somehow find a way to get over what must have been a heartbreaking afternoon and regroup for the raffle of the play-offs.
There have been substantial calls for change in the form of the 3UP campaign, which is fighting for three teams to be promoted to League Two, rather than just the two, and it is a call that must surely be heard after Saturday's antics.
York City and Rochdale united in 3UP stance
Prior to their title-decider, York and Rochdale released a joint statement calling for a third promotion spot in the National League.
"The National League is no longer a non-league competition," the statement read.
"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.
"Both clubs sit on over 100 points. One of us will have to fight once more in the National League Play-Offs. However, we both strongly believe that this shouldn’t have to be the case.
"We call on the National League, Football Regulator, EFL and Premier League to come together immediately and resolve this issue, so that we do not have to highlight this injustice year after year."
Given the strong message sent by the two clubs, it is evident that not only they but the entire National League are united in their stance, but will it spark action?
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The state of play
The 3UP campaign was launched in February 2025 with the league, clubs and supporters backing the call for a third promotion spot in the fifth tier.
As it stands, the National League is the odd one out in that there are only two promotion places available, meaning that just two sides suffer relegation from League Two.
This is rightly seen as unfair, as it stunts the growth and ambition of clubs in the National League who could accumulate north of 100 points, as Rochdale did, and still not achieve promotion.
The message has gained traction over time and was even discussed in parliament in February this year, with dozens of MPs gathering to support the campaign in Westminster.
In recent weeks, 3UP campaign ambassador Jeff Stelling again criticised the current format, saying, "Once again, a side with more than 100 points may not go up to the Football League on the basis that only one side is promoted.
"Course it’s got to change, of course it’s got to change. Time and time again, sides go up from the National League and do brilliantly - a lot of them go straight through."
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The proof is in the pudding
While sides promoted to the Premier League have tended to struggle in recent years, with all nine from the previous three seasons suffering instant relegation, the same cannot be said of those promoted to League Two.
Out of the last 20 clubs to achieve promotion to the fourth tier, an astonishing 16 of those compete across the Football League, with Wrexham and Lincoln City set to play in at least the Championship next term.
Furthermore, almost every club in the National League operates on a professional full-time basis, meaning that players are paid a salary, train on weekdays and must uphold high standards of conduct.
Over the years, the divisions have become even fiercer, with Premier League clubs sending their players out on loan to the fifth tier and beyond to become accustomed to the physical nature of English football.
A prime example of this is Chelsea goalkeeper Ted Curd, who is capped at England under-19 level, having spent last season on loan with National League South outfit Hampton & Richmond before signing on loan for National League promotion chasers Boreham Wood this term.
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There is a compelling case packed with evidence that the 3UP Campaign's message must come to fruition, but the longer it waits, the more damaging it will be for Non-League football.
Given how teams promoted to the Premier League, excluding Sunderland and Leeds United, have struggled, there is more of an argument to take away a promotion spot from the Championship.
Of course, that is nonsensical, and so is the current predicament that Rochdale are feeling the weight of right now.
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