York scored a dramatic equalizer 13 minutes into injury time to draw 1-1 at Rochdale on Saturday and clinch an extraordinary return to the main English Football League pyramid.
There were a number of pitch invasions after Josh Stones' goal, which came from virtually the last kick of the game, broke minor-league Rochdale's heart.
Rochdale, which needed to win to pip leader York to the National League title and a return to the fourth tier of the EFL, had gone in front through Emmanuel Dieseruvwe’s header five minutes into added time.
Dieseruvwe’s goal sparked a pitch invasion from home supporters that delayed the game for six minutes.
However, Stones then forced the ball over the line following a scramble after York threw 10 players forward, a goal confirmed after referee Will Finnie consulted his watch and goal-line technology, sparking another pitch invasion, this time by visiting fans.
York, which recorded 108 points to win the league, recently spent five seasons in the sixth-tier National League North.
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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