Overview
- York City clinched the National League title with a 1-1 draw at Rochdale that sealed a return to the English Football League after about a decade.
- Rochdale led in the 95th minute when Emmanuel Dieseruvwe headed in from an Ian Henderson cross, and home fans surged onto the pitch.
- Play resumed after a delay and Josh Stones equalized in the 103rd minute from a Ryan Fallowfield delivery in a scramble that crossed the line off Tyler Smith, prompting a second pitch invasion by away fans.
- Only the champions go up automatically from the fifth tier, so Rochdale head to the playoffs despite both clubs topping 100 points this season.
- Club leaders issued a joint plea the day before the match for more direct promotion places and asked the National League, the Football Regulator, the EFL and the Premier League to change the rules.