The National League threw up one of the most dramatic conclusions imaginable when York scored with virtually the last kick of the campaign to deny Rochdale.
York led the league by two points heading into the final game of the season but had to travel to second-placed Rochdale, knowing a draw would send them up.
It was heartache for York when they conceded in the 95th minute of a suitably tense game, sparking a pitch invasion from delirious Rochdale fans who believed they were on their way to the EFL.
Once the pitch had been cleared there were less than four minutes remaining, but that proved just enough time for Josh Stones to equalise for York and send them up instead.
Rochdale couldn't pick themselves up off the floor and it's York who end an engrossing title race at the top on 108 points, with Rochdale's 106 points only enough for a play-off place where they'll face Scunthorpe, fully 24 points behind them.
Listen: BBC Radio York commentary
If you listen to one thing today, make it this 60 seconds of commentary on BBC Radio York… pic.twitter.com/JFJAWcfLTP
— David Coverdale (@dpcoverdale) April 25, 2026
Watch: The moment York equalised
OH MY WORD 🤯🤯🤯🤯
— National League on DAZN (@DAZN_NationalLg) April 25, 2026
YORK HAVE EQUALISED IN THE 102ND MINUTE TO WIN PROMOTION 😱
Watch LIVE NOW at https://t.co/17IGNhwWu5 📺 pic.twitter.com/GSexKSCwht
Watch: Rochdale take the lead in stoppage time
ROCHDALE HAVE SURELY WON PROMOTION WITH ANOTHER INJURY TIME GOAL 🤯
— National League on DAZN (@DAZN_NationalLg) April 25, 2026
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!?
Watch LIVE NOW at https://t.co/17IGNhwWu5 📺 pic.twitter.com/TTVC4eCRi8
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