Rochdale host York City on the final day of the National League season with both the title and automatic promotion to the Football League at stake. The two sides are separated by just two points, with York leading on 107 and Rochdale on 105, making this the highest-stakes final day in non-league memory.
York thought they had secured promotion after an emphatic win over Yeovil Town, but Rochdale's 99th-minute equaliser against Braintree Town kept the race alive. Emmanuel Dieseruvwe, known as "Mani D", struck at the death to spark wild celebrations and set up the showdown at Spotland.
Both teams have surpassed the 100-point mark, a tally that would normally guarantee promotion. Barnet went up with 102 points last season, and Chesterfield with 98 the year before. The situation has renewed calls for change, with the National League's 3UP campaign seeking a third promotion spot, supported by all 72 clubs and the Football Supporters' Association.
The loser will face the play-offs, a route that has only been successful for six second-placed teams since the second promotion spot was introduced in 2002-03. Rochdale's season has been disrupted by multiple postponements due to their waterlogged pitch, while York have been relentless, dropping just seven points since the New Year.
Ollie Pearce leads York's scoring with 34 goals, with Josh Stones and Alex Newby also in double figures. Rochdale's goal difference is 26 worse than York's, meaning a win is essential for the home side to lift the title.
