York City FC has been promoted to the English Football League after a dramatic 1-1 draw against Rochdale AFC. Fans celebrated a long-awaited return to the league with tears of joy and euphoria.
Key points
York City FC won promotion to the English Football League
The team secured a 1-1 draw against Rochdale AFC
Fans celebrated after a 10-year wait for promotion
A sold-out crowd watched the match on a big screen
Emotions ran high with tears and euphoria among supporters
York City FCRochdale AFCEnglish Football League
A crowd of happy football fans embrace and cheer, in a football stadium.
York City FC won the league and gained promotion in a nail-biting end to the season [BBC]
It is a bright, sunny day in York and 4,500 fans start to stream away from a football stadium which has seen it all. Tears, last-gasp goals, and euphoria - all for a match that has been played about 65 miles away.
A sold-out crowd who could not get to the match, have been watching on via a big screen.
"It's emotional," 39-year-old Rich Noonan says, his voice hoarse from cheering.
"When we scored my kids were crying, sobbing with happiness. It's such a special moment."
Two men stand side by side wearing York City shirts. The man on the left wears glasses, a blue, white and red jester-style hat and a red shirt. The man on the right has short brown hair and a beard, and a blue shirt.
Jonathan Davis, 36, and Rich Noonan, 39, said the result was "emotional" [BBC]
Going into the final match of the season, York City had amassed 107 points with their rivals Rochdale sitting on 105.
A single draw would secure the National League title and promotion for the Minstermen.
But defeat would hand their opponents glory and York facing the dreaded play-offs.
Before kick-off, fans milled about greeting friends and family, enjoying the sun.
Q&A
How did York City FC secure promotion to the English Football League?
York City FC secured promotion by achieving a 1-1 draw against Rochdale AFC.
How long did York City fans wait for this promotion?
York City fans waited 10 years for their team to return to the English Football League.
What was the atmosphere like among York City fans during the promotion match?
The atmosphere was filled with emotion, as fans expressed tears of joy and celebrated in euphoria despite watching the match from afar.
Where did the York City fans watch the promotion match?
The York City fans watched the promotion match on a big screen at the stadium, as they could not attend the game in person.
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Behind the smiles there were plenty of nerves, according to brother and sister Duncan Kirk, 62 and Ruth Page, 69, who found a spot to wait for the turnstiles to open.
"I've been a fan for 56 years and I'm very pessimistic, I have to say," Duncan said.
"My experience with how City have performed in the past, I'm not feeling that confident about today."
An older man and woman sit side-by-side in front of a grassy area. They are both wearing York City FC football shirts. The man wear a white shirt, a red cap and sunglasses. The woman has short hair, and wears a brown shirt, green hoodie and red scarf.
Brother and sister Duncan Kirk, 62 and Ruth Page, 69 said they were "very, very nervous" [BBC]
Despite the stadium being at half-capacity, the echo of the fans from the large screens, placed pitch side, only amplifies the atmosphere inside York's ground.
Chants of "Yorkshire, Yorkshire" spread around the two occupied stands like a ripple but there is not much cause to celebrate after a goalless first half.
There is not too much to celebrate or commiserate in the first 45 minutes. At the half-time whistle, people pour into the concourse for a drink and a debrief.
When play resumes, the crowd seems even louder, hoping their voices can carry across the Pennines and spur the players on.
As time presses on, anticipation turns to anxiety. Some fold their arms, some exchange worried glances, some say nothing at all.
A group of York City FC football fans sit in the stands, waving large blue and red checked flags.
About 4,500 fans watched the drama unfold on a big screen at the LNER Community Stadium [BBC]
The clock strikes 95 minutes. Hope turns to despair as Rochdale score with a back post header.
The crowd is stunned as they see Rochdale fans flood on to the pitch in a momentary glimpse of glory.
Some decide to cut their losses early and make for the exit. But in the time it has taken to leave their seats the tides turn, and Josh Stones grabs the much-needed equaliser.
The roar is primal; a huge swell of jubilation and relief that only increases as the final whistle is blown.
A crowd of happy football fans embrace and cheer, in a football stadium.
The moment the final whistle blew and fans could breathe a sigh of relief [BBC]
Basking in sunshine and glory, supporters are jubilant as they start to dream of life in League Two.
"It was amazing, what a rollercoaster," Louise Kenny laughs.
"We were ready to go home - I'm glad we didn't. It's been such a family day, such a community. We're just all made up".
Roy Clarkson, 53, and his son Ollie, 18, are all smiles.
"It was just bedlam," Roy says happily as Ollie puts an arm around his shoulder.
"It'll be interesting to see what we do next season, but I think we'll do very, very well."
A young man and his dad stand side by side, in York City FC shirts. The young man has curly brown hair, and wears a black shirt with gold detail and the older man has a bald head, a short grey beard and wears a red shirt.
Ollie Clarkson, 18, and his dad Roy said it was "bedlam" when York equalised [BBC]
About to say their goodbyes, friends Alan Crompton, Chris Ive and Phil Morris are allowing themselves just a little more time to relive the immediate aftermath.
"You couldn't make it up could you really - I said before the game, there's been so many late goals this season, but that was a fantastic finish," Alan says.
"It's great after 10 years to be back in the Football League and the atmosphere in there was just fantastic," he concludes.
"You've got to feel sorry for Rochdale as well," adds Phil, with a wry smile.
