Rochdale confirmed their promotion back to the Football League on Sunday after defeating Boreham Wood at Wembley.
The Dale trailed two-nil heading into the latter stages of the encounter, but goals from Tyler Smith and a last gasp equalizer from Emmanuel Dieseruvwe sent the game to extra-time.
The goal that made all the difference 💥#Ad pic.twitter.com/zo6MAtoo4h
— National League on DAZN (@DAZN_NationalLg) May 10, 2026
18-year-old shot-stopper Oliver Whatmuff capped off a brilliant breakthrough campaign, denying Callum Reynolds and Matt Rush from 18-yards as Rochdale won 3-1 on penalties.
Rochdale were relegated from League Two in the 2022/23 campaign, finishing 24th, eight points adrift from safety.
After facing a real possibility of liquidation, due to financial loses equating to £1m following relegation and needing an urgent £2m in investment – the Mancunian club have been on the rise, finishing fourth last season in the National League, and second this campaign, recording a staggering 106 points in the process.
It will be the first time in 12 years; The Robins have faced Rochdale with the last meeting between the two dating back to April 2014 with the latter winning two-nil.
Cheltenham Town will face Rochdale next season for the first time in 12 years, renewing acquaintance with their first ever EFL opponents #ctfc pic.twitter.com/rEfbkYieCl
— Jon Palmer (@JonPalmerSport) May 10, 2026
Jimmy McNulty’s side will join York City as the newcomers to League Two ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, with Harrogate Town and Barrow AFC heading in the opposite direction.
Forest Green Rovers and Robbie Savage will be locking horns with Boreham Wood once again in the National League following Sunday’s result.
The Hertfordshire club brushed Rovers aside in the playoff quarter final eliminator at the end of April thanks to Zak Brunt’s extra-time winner.
A 2-1 victory on the road against Carlisle United at a sold-out Brunton Park followed, but Luke Garrard’s men’s hearts were broken right at the death as Dieseruvwe powered home a header with virtually the last kick of the game before eventually falling short on penalties.
It was also confirmed this weekend; Forest Green will face newly promoted Kidderminster Harriers as well as Hornchurch who will be making their debut in Non-League’s highest division.
