The date April 25th will not only go down in history for fans of York City FC, but it will also be written in folklore that will be passed down as a story throughout generations.
After a tense penultimate weekend in the National League, a late winner from Rochdale meant that the race for the title and promotion to the Football League became a battle between the top two on the last day of the season. It came down to a final game shootout when they met at the Crown Oil Arena to decide who would be in League Two next season.
York City fan David Parker was placed firmly in front of the television the afternoon of the final game of the season.
“I had been offered tickets to go to Rochdale actually, they were trying to give away the final tickets, the only thing that put me off was they were in the home end, and I didn’t want to be surrounded by Rochdale supporters.” He explained, giving the reason for being at home.
“It was the strangest sort of excitement and nervousness. I wanted to have faith in the club but I was just uncertain about what was going to happen.” He said, talking about the emotion before the game.
What was hoped to be a successful afternoon for York was almost ruined when a Rochdale goal was headed in by forward Emmanuel Dieseruvwe in the 95th minute. Rochdale fans flooded the pitch in celebration, ultimately causing the referee to pause the game.
“I got quite angry, not at anyone in particular but probably just at myself.” David said, describing the feeling when he watched the goal go in.
Equaliser…
However with only 90 seconds left in the match it seemed York City’s fate was to be in the play-offs for a second consecutive season. However after the restart, a scrappy goal was bundled over the line by Josh Stones for an equaliser for the Minstermen in the 103rd minute.
David Spoke more about when City equalised, saying the waves of emotion were an interesting moment. “From being at such a low point in the 95th minute when they scored to almost shaking with excitement at the end of the game, yeah it was just a great experience… not one I want to do ever again but still amazing.”
“I’m quite excited to see what this new season brings maybe in terms of sponsorship and the team itself, sadly we might lose some players but we will also gain some players and that’s just part of a new chapter… We have to learn to change with where we are in the EFL now.” He says, speaking about his hopes for the future.
“I’m looking forward to play names like Grimsby next season. I think as fans we were sick of seeing the same national league names like Boreham Wood and Forest Green, it will just be nice to play new clubs in their own journeys in the football league.”
It seems most fans want manager Stuart Maynard to stay, with his management this season meaning the club only lost four games during the run in whilst totting up a record breaking 108 points for the club in the season.
York City celebrated their promotion with fans during the week with an event at the LNER Stadium and a open top bus parade through the city which saw plenty of fans line the street to support their now beloved league team.
