Promotion-chasing duo demand radical change to fix yearly non-league ‘injustice’ in joint statement

York City and Rochdale have issued a joint-statement ahead of their winner takes all National League match on Saturday.

Both teams have racked up over 100 points heading into the final day of the season, but only one will be promoted automatically.

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Incredibly, the two play each other on Saturday at 12:30pm, with the winner guaranteed a place in League Two and the loser forced to go through the lottery of the play-offs.

Just how close is the National League promotion race?

Rochdale are at home and trail York by two points, meaning a win is what they require to earn promotion.

For York, they only require a draw.

It is the second time in the space of a few years that two teams have picked up over 100 points in the National League.

On that occasion, it was Wrexham and Notts County, with the Welsh side going up automatically and County making it via the play-offs.

And with it still being just two promotion places in the National League, York and Rochdale have released a joint statement.

Rochdale and York City issue joint statement

It reads: “This Saturday’s game brings an end to one of the most thrilling, exciting and unpredictable title races in football history.

“Both ourselves and Rochdale have the chance to write our names in National League history.

“The National League is no longer a non-league competition. It is effectively a League 3, with fully professional clubs operating at a level equal to or higher than many of those in League 2.

“We both understand how important this game is to both clubs and supporters. We both pledge now that whatever happens tomorrow, we will both continue to fight for 3UP.

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“Both clubs sit on over 100 points. One of us will have to fight once more in the National League Play-Offs. However, we both strongly believe that this shouldn’t have to be the case.

“We call on the National League, Football Regulator, EFL and Premier League to come together immediately and resolve this issue, so that we do not have to highlight this injustice year after year.

“For both sets of supporters attending the Crown Oil Arena this weekend, we say thank you for being with us all season. The passion you’ve shown for both clubs has been felt across the world.

“This game will be seen far and wide. We want to showcase this league for all its potential. Keep your support in the stands, not on the pitch, and let’s all protect the game we love.”

Incredible situation

This match will be shown on DAZN and will likely be watched by people all around the world.

The prize for the winner is a spot at the EFL table, and a chance to progress up the leagues.

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You only have to look at Wrexham and Stockport County to understand what opportunities are there for both clubs should they be promoted.

For the loser, the play-offs are a lottery, with the only benefit being they get to miss the first round and play just one match at home before a trip to Wembley.

But the teams in the play-offs are Forest Green Rovers, Southend United, Scunthorpe United, Boreham Wood and Carlisle United.

All have had brilliant seasons, and though York or Rochdale would be clear favourites, it’s possible one of them won’t make it.

Rochdale scored a 99th minute winner against Braintree last weekend to take this to the final match.

And ahead of the game, Dale’s manager Jimmy McNulty has a message for the fans.

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He said: “The training ground is buzzing.

“The mood amongst the staff and players has been so positive, I have been really impressed with the ability to ride the positivity.

“We want to win this game on Saturday with our supporters.

“We have a clear game plan to go and execute at home in front of our supporters, and we have full belief in making the fairytale happen in our stadium and be crowned champions of the National League.”