York City last gasp equaliser breaks Rochdale hearts and earns promotion to Football League

York City return to the Football League for the first time in 22 years after scoring a last gasp equaliser in a dramatic final day title decider against Rochdale.

In a game which York had dominated and controlled, Rochdale went all in for the final minutes, and a header from Emmanuel Dieseruvwe sparked crazy scenes at the Crown Oil Arena and appeared to seal promotion.

However, as has been proven this season, York are never out of it, and after a prolonged delay due to Rochdale fans spilling on to the pitch, the away side went right up the other end and scored an equaliser after Josh Stones' shot at the near post was deemed to have gone over the line. 

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The most dramatic end to a season ever?

Watch: Rochdale vs York highlights at City go up with 103rd-minute goal

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Rochdale and York battle in first half with little chances

York were on the front foot from kick off, looking to set the tone against Rochdale.

There were early signs of this title decider being a physical battle after an early foul from Rochdale’s Dan Moss on Jeff King, the latter got his revenge shortly after.

More battles followed with York goalkeeper Harrison Male fouled by Moss despite the ball going into the back of the net.

Rochdale’s Luke Hannant had the first shot of the game, but his chance was fired over.

When it came to the attacking threat, York had the slight edge. A barrage from The Minstermen in the 20th minute had no reward as Rochdale’s defence managed to keep the league leaders at bay.

York may have showcased more promise in attack, but Rochdale’s defence were able to stifle their opponent’s three-pronged attack of Stones, captain Ollie Pearce and Ollie Banks.

Pearce did have a chance to put York ahead after being put through with a precision through ball from Hiram Boateng, but Rochdale captain Ethan Banks-Landell threw himself into the block to keep the score level.

It felt like a slight lapse in concentration would be the difference when it comes to getting the three points, and Rochdale goalkeeper Oliver Whatmuff did make a crazy error in the 35th minute after he picked the ball up outside of his area, but lucky for him, the referee did not show a card as punishment.

York snatch promotion away from Rochdale with Stones equaliser

York continued to showcase their superior attack three minutes in the second half, and once again it was Boateng who was putting Stones through on goal, but his shot once more was saved, and was the first one on target in this title decider.

Stones continued to knock on the door with another of his shots failing to get past Whatmuff five minutes later.

Rochdale’s first real chance came in the 72nd minute with substitute Aidan Barlow standing over a free kick on the edge of the box, but he was unable to make it count as his curling effort went over the bar as the Crown Oil Arena held its breath.

A change in the atmosphere took effect, the nerves of the Rochdale fans were being felt, very little noise was being generated besides the two thousand or so York fans who felt that promotion was within their team’s grasp.

With 10 minutes remaining, Stones had a chance to secure the win for York, but his effort was deflected by Rochdale’s Ethan Ebanks-Landell before being clawed away by Whatmuff.

As the board went up for six minutes added time, Rochdale had nothing lose and besieged the York goal.

In the 95th minute, club hero Ian Henderson, who came on in the 66th minute, fired in a cross and it found Emmanuel Dieseruvwe who towered over the York defenders to head it home and go 1-0 up.

Rochdale fans spilled on to the pitch in celebration, and a delay followed as stewards swiftly cleared the pitch to allow the match to resume.

Now it was York who had to try and seize control of this title race, and somehow, they did eight minutes later.

Stones, who had been a threat all match, had another chance seemingly blocked on the line, but then referee Will Finnie blew his whistle and awarded the goal to York, sparking crazy celebrations from York’s away following and promotion was secured with a 1-1 draw.

But while York City celebrate a long awaited return to the Football League, Rochdale now prepare for the playoffs with a semi-final home tie on May 3.

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