National League

Rochdale 1-1 York City: Josh Stones’ late show propels the Minstermen back to the big time

Josh Stones struck an astonishing 103rd-minute leveller as York City climbed off the canvas to clinch promotion in a dramatic final-day decider at Spotland.

by
Chris Dunlavy
26 April 2026

York City players wheel away in jubilation after Josh Stones squeezes in their winner

ROCHDALE 1
Dieseruvwe 90+5

YORK CITY 1
Stones 90+13
Josh Stones struck an astonishing 103rd-minute leveller as York City climbed off the canvas to clinch promotion in a dramatic final-day decider at Spotland.
York arrived in Lancashire knowing a point would end their ten-year exile from the EFL. Hosts Rochdale needed all three.
And the devastated Minstermen thought they were down and out when Dale striker Mani Dieseruvwe headed home his 26th goal of the season in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
So did the hordes of jubilant Dale fans who invaded the pitch.

Drama
Six minutes elapsed ...

Continue reading...

Access all our premium content from as little as 14p per day!

Already a subscriber to our website? Login

Read our latest news on any of these social networks!

Tackle the News

- Sign Up for our weekly Non-League Newsletter

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

More in National League

York City get their day in the sun as dramatic National League title win seals EFL return

York City claimed the National League title and a return to the EFL in the most dramatic of circumstances on a remarkable final day of the season.
Davies fits the bill for Shots

Aldershot Town chairman Deane Wood has drawn up a shortlist of ‘three or four’ candidates to replace manager John Coleman, after receiving over 40 applications in just 48 hours since his departure was announced.
Final day drama as it happened across the National Leagues

The Non-League Paper brings you all the key moments from a dramatic final day across Steps 1 and 2, as titles, play-off places and relegation spots were decided in a breathless afternoon packed with twists and turns.
FIVE-STAR SAV’S GOT HIS TAIL UP

By Ash Loveridge HEADS UP: Substitute Gabe Kircough climbs highest to head Forest Green Rovers’ third goal PICTURE: PSI/Wayne Tuckwell FOREST GREEN R 5 Buyabu 13, McAllister 23 (pen), Kircough 56, Rees 78, 83 MORECAMBE 0 FOREST Green boss Robbie Savage believes his side is in rude health going into...