Rochdale and York renew rivalry six months after dramatic National League finale
Rochdale host York City on Saturday for the first time since last season's extraordinary final-day National League title decider, with both clubs now adjusting to League Two life.
Rochdale and York City meet again on Saturday, just over six months after one of the most dramatic title deciders in National League history. On 25 April at Crown Oil Arena, York secured automatic promotion with a 1-1 draw thanks to Josh Stones' equaliser in the 13th minute of stoppage time, after Emmanuel Dieseruvwe had headed Rochdale in front in the 95th minute and home fans had invaded the pitch believing they were up.
Rochdale, who had 212 points between them with York going into that game, regrouped to win promotion through the play-offs, beating Boreham Wood at Wembley. BBC Radio York's Dave Ward said supporters will relish the banter of the reunion, while BBC Radio Manchester's Alex Whitington recalled his own stunned reaction to Stones' late goal and said he may never commentate on another ending like it.
Both clubs changed managers in the summer. York replaced title-winning boss Stuart Maynard with former Crawley manager Scott Lindsey, a decision that angered many supporters at the time. Lindsey's side are inside the play-off places despite losing their past two games, with Ollie Pearce scoring eight in all competitions this season, including a goal inside 10 seconds in the 4-0 FA Cup win over Northampton Town, the competition's third-quickest goal. Alex Newby has added six league goals with Stones hampered by injuries.
Rochdale's change was forced, with Jimmy McNulty moving to Stockport County and Ian Watson arriving from South Shields. A difficult start led to a board vote of confidence in early September, and although results briefly improved, Dale go into Saturday on a five-game winless run. Dieseruvwe, who scored 27 last season, is yet to find the net in the league this term, while 41-year-old Ian Henderson has two goals in his past three league games despite not starting.
York sit 13 places above Rochdale, though only five points separate the sides after 14 League Two matches. Lindsey said he may remind his players of their good memories at the stadium, while survival — finishing 22nd or higher by 8 May — would represent a successful return to the EFL for Rochdale.
Image: Press Association / BBC Sport
