Fans 'sobbing in triumph' as York City promoted

It is a bright, sunny day in York and 4,500 fans start to stream away from a football stadium which has seen it all. Tears, last-gasp goals, and euphoria - all for a match that has been played about 65 miles away.

For York City FC supporters, the moment had been 10 years in the making. A return to the English Football League after securing a 1-1 draw against Rochdale AFC.

A sold-out crowd who could not get to the match, have been watching on via a big screen.

"It's emotional," 39-year-old Rich Noonan says, his voice hoarse from cheering.

"When we scored my kids were crying, sobbing with happiness. It's such a special moment."

Going into the final match of the season, York City had amassed 107 points with their rivals Rochdale sitting on 105.

A single draw would secure the National League title and promotion for the Minstermen.

But defeat would hand their opponents glory and York facing the dreaded play-offs.

Before kick-off, fans milled about greeting friends and family, enjoying the sun.

Behind the smiles there were plenty of nerves, according to brother and sister Duncan Kirk, 62 and Ruth Page, 69, who found a spot to wait for the turnstiles to open.

"I've been a fan for 56 years and I'm very pessimistic, I have to say," Duncan said.

"My experience with how City have performed in the past, I'm not feeling that confident about today."

Despite the stadium being at half-capacity, the echo of the fans from the large screens, placed pitch side, only amplifies the atmosphere inside York's ground.

Chants of "Yorkshire, Yorkshire" spread around the two occupied stands like a ripple but there is not much cause to celebrate after a goalless first half.

There is not too much to celebrate or commiserate in the first 45 minutes. At the half-time whistle, people pour into the concourse for a drink and a debrief.

When play resumes, the crowd seems even louder, hoping their voices can carry across the Pennines and spur the players on.

As time presses on, anticipation turns to anxiety. Some fold their arms, some exchange worried glances, some say nothing at all.

The clock strikes 95 minutes. Hope turns to despair as Rochdale score with a back post header.

The crowd is stunned as they see Rochdale fans flood on to the pitch in a momentary glimpse of glory.

Some decide to cut their losses early and make for the exit. But in the time it has taken to leave their seats the tides turn, and Josh Stones grabs the much-needed equaliser.

The roar is primal; a huge swell of jubilation and relief that only increases as the final whistle is blown.

Basking in sunshine and glory, supporters are jubilant as they start to dream of life in League Two.

"It was amazing, what a rollercoaster," Louise Kenny laughs.

"We were ready to go home - I'm glad we didn't. It's been such a family day, such a community. We're just all made up".

Roy Clarkson, 53, and his son Ollie, 18, are all smiles.

"It was just bedlam," Roy says happily as Ollie puts an arm around his shoulder.

"It'll be interesting to see what we do next season, but I think we'll do very, very well."

About to say their goodbyes, friends Alan Crompton, Chris Ive and Phil Morris are allowing themselves just a little more time to relive the immediate aftermath.

"You couldn't make it up could you really - I said before the game, there's been so many late goals this season, but that was a fantastic finish," Alan says.

"It's great after 10 years to be back in the Football League and the atmosphere in there was just fantastic," he concludes.

"You've got to feel sorry for Rochdale as well," adds Phil, with a wry smile.

"But only a little bit."

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.