Rochdale secure Football League return in dramatic fashion

FootballSports
11 May 2026 • 1:53 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Rochdale produced a dramatic late fightback from 2-0 down to clinch promotion back to the EFL with a penalty shootout victory over Boreham Wood.
  • The Wood looked set for glory in the Enterprise National League play-off final at Wembley after striking in each half through Matt Rush and the lively Abdul Abdulmalik.
  • Dale, who were denied automatic promotion in heartbreaking fashion on the final day of the regular season, pulled one back in the 78th minute through Tyler Smith and Mani Dieseruvwe made it 2-2 in stoppage time.
  • Neither side could find a winner in extra time but Rochdale prevailed 3-1 on penalties after Oliver Whatmuff, on loan from Manchester City, saved from Callum Reynolds and Rush before Cameron Coxe hit the crossbar.
  • Rochdale’s success secures a return to the EFL after a three-year absence and banishes the pain of their last-day disappointment when they conceded a stoppage-time equaliser to promotion rivals York.
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