York City boss Stuart Maynard described his team as "warriors" after they secured promotion to the Football League following a dramatic 1-1 draw with Rochdale on Saturday. 

The top two in the National League squared off in a winner-takes-all clash at Crown Oil Arena, with York on 107 points while Rochdale were two adrift of top spot. 

All of the drama came in second-half stoppage time, and it started when York defender Callum Howe headed against his own crossbar. 

Rochdale then thought they had won it in the 95th minute when Ian Henderson's outside-of-the-foot cross into the box was headed in Emmanuel Dieseruvwe.

The pitch was flooded with home supporters as they celebrated what looked to be a promotion-winning goal, though there was to be one final twist.

Once the game eventually restarted, York threw everyone forward and got their rewards in the 13th minute of additional time when Josh Stones smashed the ball towards goal, and despite the best efforts of a defender on the line, it was adjudged to have crossed the line, concluding a thrilling contest. 

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

"The players are warriors. When they [Rochdale] scored, our players came over to the bench and said there was one last chance for us. We've done that all year.

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

WE ARE CHAMPIONSSSSSSSSSS #YCFC  pic.twitter.com/50A1jI3ey4

— York City FC (@YorkCityFC) April 25, 2026

While York will now prepare for their first campaign in League Two since 2015-16, Rochdale must now pick themselves back up and go again in the play-offs. 

The topic of conversation leading up to the match was the need for three teams to be promoted from the third tier.

It was a debate initially sparked by Wrexham and Notts County's battle in 2022-23, when both sides finished the season on 111 and 107 points, respectively. 

Carlisle United also finished the season on 95 points after their victory on the final day against Brackley Town, and Maynard reiterated the need for change in the English football pyramid, while also hoping Rochdale would join them in League Two next year. 

"I hope Rochdale go up. It's criminal in this league that teams can get over 100 points and not go up," Maynard said. 

"Even Carlisle and Mark Hughes, they end up with 95 points. It's crazy."