This Saturday (25) marked the final round of the regular season in the National League, England’s fifth division.
Rochdale and York City faced off in a direct showdown for first place and, consequently, the title and automatic promotion to League Two, the fourth division.
And there was PLENTY of drama in the closing minutes of the match played at Rochdale’s home ground.
Leading before kickoff, York only needed a draw to secure first place.
For Rochdale, in second, only a win would guarantee the title + promotion without needing the playoffs.
And the script for a game like this ended up being INSANE.
Crazy stuff, okay?
The 0-0 scoreline held in the Northwest of England.
And there was only one minute left in the scheduled stoppage time when Dieseruvwe scored for Rochdale.
That triggered a pitch invasion by the crowd at Crown Oil Arena.
At that moment, it was the goal that took the team to 108 points in 46 matches.
Leaving York on 105.
The home fans’ celebration led to even more stoppage time.
And wouldn’t you know it, York found an equalizer through Joshua Stones in the 113th minute?
There was another invasion (this time the definitive one).
And celebrations with the trophy in hand.
What now?
Rochdale (106 points) and Carlisle (95) are guaranteed in the semifinals.
Boreham Wood (90), Scunthorpe (82), Southend (81), and Forest Green (81) will fight for the other two spots.
Only the playoff champion also goes up.
Will Rochdale make the most of this new chance?
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
