The national league title was decided at the Crown Oil Arena on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in a finish that flipped the afternoon in dramatic fashion. York City went back into the Football League after Josh Stones struck in the 103rd minute, overturning Rochdale’s late lead. Emmanuel Dieseruvwe had put Rochdale ahead in the 95th minute before Stones’ intervention changed everything.
Late drama decides the national league title
Rochdale looked set to claim the championship and promotion after Dieseruvwe headed in from a cross by Ian Henderson deep into stoppage time. Fans poured onto the pitch, and for several minutes the home side believed the job was done. But after the field was cleared, York kept going and Stones somehow scrambled the ball over the line in the 13th minute of additional time to seal York City’s return after a 10-year absence.
The result leaves York preparing for life in League Two, while Rochdale must regroup quickly for the play-offs. Their next challenge is the winner of Southend United v Scunthorpe, with Carlisle set to face Boreham Wood or Forest Green Rovers in the other semi-final. The late swing also underlined how narrow the margin was between celebration and heartbreak in the national league showdown.
Reactions as the match turned
Supporters reacted in real time to the chaos, with one posting: “YES! Haven’t any nails left! YCFC you’ve done it!” Another wrote: “Rochdale score, ‘there’s fans on the pitch they think it’s all over, ‘ York equalise, ‘It’s is now!’”
Stuart Maynard, York City boss, spoke to Dazn after the final whistle, while Jimmy McNulty now faces the task of rebuilding Rochdale after a defeat that arrived in the cruelest possible moment. The officials also had to manage the delayed finish after fans entered the pitch and the game stopped for around six minutes before play could resume.
What the match meant for both clubs
York City and Rochdale came into the day level on 214 points between them, a sign of just how tight the race had become. York had also won both meetings between the sides this season, adding extra weight to the fixture before kickoff at 12: 30pm.
Rochdale entered the contest after a dramatic win at Braintree, where Mani Dieseruvwe scored in the 99th minute to keep the title race alive. York arrived after another strong result against Yeovil Town, with Ollie Pearce, Josh Stones and Joe Grey all on target. The national league now moves into its next stage, but the image of this title race will remain the 103rd-minute finish that sent York City up and left Rochdale facing the play-offs.
