Storm and two goals in stoppage time
English teams deliver memorable duel for promotion
April 25, 2026 – 7:03 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
On the last matchday, the second-placed team welcomes the first-placed team, with two points separating both teams. The injury time is extremely dramatic.
In England’s fifth division, two teams fought a memorable duel for promotion on Saturday. AFC Rochdale welcomed York City, second in the table, on the last matchday of the National League. The guests defended their narrow lead, but the drama of the game was hard to beat.
The league leaders went into the direct duel with their pursuers with 107 points, Rochdale was two points behind. The exciting starting situation attracted 7,221 spectators to the packed Crown Oil Arena. Nothing decisive happened for a long time, after 90 minutes it was 0-0. But then the spectacular six-minute stoppage time began.
First a header hit the crossbar, but in the fifth minute of stoppage time the home team actually scored. Ian Henderson scored the much-celebrated goal for Rochdale as they moved past York. The cheering knew no bounds, fans were on the pitch celebrating the promotion – or so they thought at the moment. But the game wasn’t over yet and was extended because of the storm.
And the guests actually fought back. After a cross into the penalty area, Josh Stones pushed the ball over the line in the 13th minute of added time. At least that’s what the referee decided. A Rochdale defender blocked the shot on the line. It is not clear from the photos whether the full diameter of the ball was already in the goal.
Ecstasy followed again, visiting fans stormed onto the field and cheered with the York players. This time there was no time for the opponent to respond and the referee ended the game. “That was the craziest thing I’ve ever experienced. Simply crazy,” said goalscorer Stones after the game. “I thought it was over but the boys never say never. If I’m being completely honest I hope Rochdale win the play-offs – they were unbelievable.”
