York City promoted to League Two after dramatic draw with title rivals Rochdale

ROCHDALE, England, April 25 : York City's Josh Stones struck deep in stoppage time at National League title rivals Rochdale to send his side back up to English football's fourth-tier on Saturday after a 1-1 draw featuring two injury-time goals and pitch invasions by both sets of fans.

Rochdale, who needed victory to snatch the title and automatic promotion back to League Two from leaders York, thought they had done enough when Emmanuel Dieseruvwe headed them in front after 95 minutes. His goal sparked a pitch invasion by home supporters that delayed the restart.

Stones struck the equaliser in the 103rd minute with York's last kick of the season, forcing the ball over the line in a scramble in front of the net as York threw 10 players forward.

Delighted York fans chanted "We are going up!"

The goal was confirmed by goal-line technology after referee Will Finnie consulted his watch, sending York fans streaming onto the pitch.

"Everyone said it this season, 'York-time' and there's a real belief and togetherness in this group of players," York City boss Stuart Maynard told DAZN.

"The players are warriors. When (Rochdale) scored, our players came over to the bench and said there is one last chance in us. We've done that all year.

"We're one big family. I love all of them."

York finished as champions on 108 points, returning to the Football League after a 10-year absence, while Rochdale ended two points back on 106 and must seek promotion via the playoffs, where only one additional League Two place is available.

On Friday, York City and Rochdale issued a joint call for an overhaul of promotion rules ahead of the title-deciding clash on the final day of England's fifth-tier National League.

"I hope Rochdale go up," Maynard said on