York City promotion 'the best day of my life'

TL;DR

York City fans celebrated as their team secured promotion back to the English Football League after a dramatic equalizer from Josh Stones in stoppage time. The victory ended a 10-year absence from the league.

Key points

York City clinched promotion to the English Football League
Josh Stones scored an equalizer in stoppage time
The victory ended a 10-year absence from the league

York CityJosh StonesEnglish Football LeagueNational League

Three women taking a close-up photo at a football stadium. They are standing in the spectator seating area and are wearing red team jerseys and casual clothing; two are wearing sunglasses. Behind them, a green football pitch is visible with match stewards in high-visibility jackets and a large crowd of spectators, many also dressed in red. The scene appears bright and outdoors, suggesting a daytime sporting event.

Mollie Ovenden (centre) went to the game with her sister and her mum [Mollie Ovenden]

Fans of York City have described the "elation" and "delirium" after their team clinched a return to the English Football League in dramatic fashion.

Josh Stones' equaliser in the 13th minute of stoppage time against title rivals Rochdale secured the point needed to confirm their place as National League champions, ending a 10-year exile.

"It was utter, utter elation, the whole stand, I've never seen anything quite like it," said Mollie Ovenden who was at the match with her family.

The 1-1 draw meant York City finished the season on 108 points, with Rochdale forced into second on 106 points.

Ahead of the game York City knew they only needed a point to top the league, and with the match goalless heading into injury time it looked like the title was heading their way.

Bu a late goal for Rochdale in the 95th minute looked destined to leave York facing the lottery of the play-offs, with Mollie saying it felt "just like the world had ended".

Believing their team was going up, home fans invaded the pitch in scenes of wild celebration.

When the game finally restarted, York threw everyone forward and Stones bundled the ball over the line to secure the draw to take them up.

Q&A

How did York City secure their promotion to the English Football League?

York City secured their promotion by clinching the National League championship, thanks to an equalizer from Josh Stones in the 13th minute of stoppage time.

What was the significance of Josh Stones' goal for York City?

Josh Stones' goal was crucial as it secured the point needed for York City to confirm their place as National League champions, marking the end of a 10-year exile from the English Football League.

What was the reaction of York City fans after the promotion?

Fans expressed feelings of 'elation' and 'delirium,' with one supporter describing the atmosphere in the stand as something they had never experienced before.