York wins promotion to English Football League after extraordinary late drama at Rochdale

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York City players and staff celebrate with the trophy after defeating Rochdale in the National League match in Rochdale, England, Saturday April 25, 2026. (Cody Froggatt/PA via AP)

York City's Josh Stones after the National League soccer match between Rochdale and York City in Rochdale, England, Saturday April 25, 2026. (Cody Froggatt/PA via AP) — York City players and staff celebrate with the trophy after defeating Rochdale in the National League match in Rochdale, England, Saturday April 25, 2026. (Cody Froggatt/PA via AP)

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10:17 AM on Saturday, April 25

By The Associated Press

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.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer