"Rochdale finally got their moment in the sun after their National League title dreams were snatched away by York City in one of the most memorable season climaxes English football has ever seen. Many neutrals - and certainly boss Jimmy McNulty - felt justice was served as Dale beat Boreham Wood on penalties to join the Minstermen in the EFL after three years away following an incredible season that saw them accrue 106 points."
"That was 16 more than fourth-placed Wood, who were left to wonder what might have been after a dramatic promotion final at Wembley that saw the Hertfordshire side leading 2-0 with 12 minutes remaining and coming within moments of a first promotion to the EFL in their 78-year history. Mani Dieseruvwe's headed equaliser in the dying seconds of added time was his third stoppage-time goal in four matches and made it the sixth straight year the season finale had gone to extra time and the fourth time in that span a shootout was needed to decide who joins the 92."
"There was a time when Rochdale was only really known for not doing much of anything. After being relegated from the old Division Three in 1974, Dale spent the next 36 years stuck in the fourth tier, never going up, never going down - to the point it became known in some quarters as 'the Rochdale division'. The class of 2026 have, however, forged a new identity, one built around heart-stopping drama and a never-say-die attitude, one embodied perfectly by Wembley hero Dieseruvwe."
"The 31-year-old has represented more than a dozen clubs since coming through Sheffield Wednesday's academy and signing his first pro deal at Hillsborough in 2013. He's played up, down and across the northern half of the country, from National League North to National League to League Two to League One an"
Rochdale secured promotion to the EFL after beating Boreham Wood on penalties, following a season that ended in a memorable promotion final. The match required extra time and a shootout, continuing a pattern of season finales decided after added time. Rochdale finished with 106 points, 16 more than fourth-placed Boreham Wood, and overcame the disappointment of earlier title dreams being taken by York City. The promotion final at Wembley saw Boreham Wood lead 2-0 with 12 minutes remaining, but Mani Dieseruvwe scored an equaliser in stoppage time, his third such goal in four matches. Rochdale’s history included decades in the fourth tier, but the current squad has built a new identity defined by resilience and drama.
Read at www.bbc.com
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