National League's stance on rule change after Rochdale suffer last-minute heartbreak as York promoted

The National League has provided its stance on the 3UP campaign after Rochdale suffered last-gasp heartbreak against York City at the Crown Oil Arena.

On Saturday, York made the trip to Rochdale knowing a draw or win would secure promotion to League Two, while a win was the only result that could see the home side promoted to the English Football League.

As expected, much of the match was a cagey affair, with no one wanting to make a mistake on such an occasion. Emmanuel Dieseruvwe nodded the home side ahead and all but secured promotion to English football’s fourth tier – or so he thought – in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time.

Fans invaded the pitch, thinking their side had been promoted, before play resumed a couple of minutes later.

Against all odds, York still believed and knew one goal would see them promoted, despite time not being on their side.

In the 13th minute of stoppage time, the Yorkshire club threw everyone forward, with a ball looped towards the back post before Josh Stones squeezed it over the line to secure promotion in the most dramatic of circumstances.

Speaking to DAZN after the match, Stones said: “The maddest ever. Crazy. I think when they scored, that’s what they’ve done all season.

“For the final game to have ended 0-0, it would have been a travesty for the league.

“I can’t put it into words. I’m so happy. We deserve it as a group, the staff, the fans. I love the club and that meant everything.”

Despite finishing on 106 points, Rochdale will now enter the play-offs alongside Carlisle United, Boreham Wood, Scunthorpe United, Southend United and Forest Green Rovers – something York boss Stuart Maynard admitted was “criminal” when speaking after his side’s triumph.

Before the match, Rochdale and York released a statement which read: “The National League is no longer a non-league competition. It is effectively a League 3, with fully professional clubs operating at a level equal to or higher than many of those in League Two.

“We both understand how important this game is to both clubs and supporters. We both pledge now that, whatever happens tomorrow, we will both continue to fight for 3UP.

“Both clubs sit on over 100 points. One of us will have to fight once more in the National League play-offs. However, we both strongly believe that this shouldn’t have to be the case.

“We call on the National League, Football Regulator, EFL and Premier League to come together immediately and resolve this issue so that we do not have to highlight this injustice year after year.

“For both sets of supporters attending the Crown Oil Arena this weekend, we say thank you for being with us all season. The passion you’ve shown for both clubs has been felt across the world. This game will be seen far and wide. "We want to showcase this league for all its potential. Keep your support in the stands, not on the pitch, and let’s all protect the game we love.”

Currently, just two teams – the league champions and play-off winners – can be promoted to League Two.

The National League responded to the clubs’ joint statement with the following: “The National League welcomes the statement from both Rochdale and York City and thanks the clubs and fans for their incredible support of the 3UP campaign to date.

“Over the last year, the campaign has gained overwhelming support from fans, clubs, organisations and high-profile football figures at every level of the game.

“Additionally, it has generated significant media and political momentum – which no doubt contributed to the EFL formally debating the matter at their recent annual club meetings.

“We welcome this development and have subsequently held follow-up conversations with the EFL regarding the next steps towards potential implementation.

“As the EFL has previously stated, 3UP will require a majority vote of approval from its clubs, plus agreement between all parties on related issues.

“We are currently working with the EFL to try and make this happen on an appropriate timescale.”