York City scored an astonishing 103rd-minute equaliser to claim the National League title in a dramatic conclusion to their winner-takes-all encounter with Rochdale. The Minstermen had one hand on the trophy entering stoppage time at the Crown Oil Arena with a draw sufficient to secure promotion. However, as the clock wound down, the match descended into complete pandemonium.
Mani Dieseruvwe headed home a superb goal in the 96th minute for Rochdale, triggering wild celebrations and a pitch invasion. A victory for Dale would have seen them promoted as champions, and they believed they’d secured a crucial winner. Veteran striker Ian Henderson had emerged from the bench to deliver a moment of brilliance.
The 40-year-old curled the ball towards the far post with the outside of his boot, and Dieseruvwe rose highest to power a header beyond York City goalkeeper Harrison Male.
Rochdale supporters flooded onto the pitch to celebrate what they assumed would be the title. Following a five-minute delay, fans were removed from the pitch and play continued.
York then pushed players forward and found a controversial equaliser in the 103rd minute through Josh Stones, to clinch the title in dramatic circumstances.
Callum Howe’s header was cleared off the line before the ball fell to Stones at the far post. He forced the ball towards the goal, and there were doubts over whether it crossed the line, with York players insistent that it had.
The officials awarded the goal, and the travelling supporters flooded onto the pitch. Scenes of absolute chaos ensued as York players, staff and fans celebrated wildly on the sidelines.
Speaking to DAZN at full-time, York boss Stuart Maynard said: “They said it was ‘York time’. Before Rochdale scored, it was ‘Rochdale time.’ There’s a real belief and togetherness in this camp.
“You’ve just got to look at the fans behind us. When I first joined, I said we all had to be in this together; the players are warriors.
“When they scored, they’re coming over to the dugout and said there’s one more chance for us. There’s a real belief from in us and it kept us going.
“Everything went out the window. Everyone went up front, we had no one back. Kick it, then we get a throw and throw it forward. We know with this group they keep going to the end and they deserve it.
“See all these players behind me, they are incredible. They work so hard, tirelessly everyday. We’re one big family and I love every single one of them.”
As for Rochdale, they must now dust themselves down and refocus ahead of the National League play-offs. Jim McNulty’s side will receive a bye through to the semi-final stages, where they will take on either Scunthorpe United or Southend United.
