York City’s promotion back to the Football League was sealed after Josh Stones scored a 103rd-minute equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Rochdale to clinch the National League title.
Rochdale had been on course for automatic promotion after Emmanuel Dieseruvwe headed in during the 95th minute, a goal that briefly moved the hosts above York in the live title race.
Stones forced the ball over the line in a goalmouth scramble eight minutes later, with referee Will Finnie confirming the goal through goal-line technology.
The result left York City top of the National League on 108 points, securing their return to the Football League after a 10-year absence.
Rochdale finished second on 106 points and will enter the playoffs for the remaining promotion place to League Two.
York City manager Stuart Maynard praised his players after the match, calling them “warriors” and describing the squad as “one big family.”
OH MY WORD 🤯🤯🤯🤯
YORK HAVE EQUALISED IN THE 102ND MINUTE TO WIN PROMOTION 😱
Watch LIVE NOW at https://t.co/17IGNhwWu5 📺 pic.twitter.com/GSexKSCwht
— National League on DAZN (@DAZN_NationalLg) April 25, 2026Maynard also said it was “criminal” that a team could finish with more than 100 points and still miss automatic promotion, while expressing hope that Rochdale would still go up.
York City and Rochdale had issued a joint statement a day earlier backing the 3UP campaign, which calls for a third promotion place from the National League into the English Football League.
Carlisle United finished third on 95 points and also moved into the playoff race.
