'Pure ecstasy' - York and a Saturday that may never be beaten . Incredible radio commentary of York City's promotion-sealing goal David Ward has covered York City for 12 years. Here he discusses his emotions before, during and after the Minstermen's dramatic draw in the National League title decider at Rochdale, as his BBC Radio York commentary for Josh Stones' promotion-winning goal has gone viral.I have been a York City supporter for nearly 40 years.
If that has taught me one thing, it is that disappointment is usually just around the corner. But looking ahead to Saturday's game, despite how much was riding on it, I was always confident we would get the job done. I honestly felt our side was the stronger of the two.
We were definitely in better form.After a slow start to the campaign, during which Rochdale could have opened up a significant points margin, we pulled ourselves back to finally be top coming down the final straight. As it was, Rochdale needed a goal with the final kick against Braintree Town just the week before to take it to this final day showdown.City had thought they had it won as they all watched the game on defender Morgan Williams' mobile phone, waiting for the referee to blow the final whistle before Rochdale grabbed a 99th-minute winner. Could City get over the obvious disappointment to lift themselves for this winner-takes-all scenario?
Their day, until it wasn't - the title decider that had it allPublished25 AprilYork win promotion with 103rd-minute equaliser at RochdalePromotion 'just the start' for Maynard's YorkPublished26 AprilThe never-say-die attitude manifested by manager Stuart Maynard, who himself only came to the club four games into the season, is unsurpassed. I always thought the trip to Rochdale could be dramatic. We just didn't expect it to be like this.I say 'we' because the mood at the club has changed completely since Matt and Julie-Anne Uggla's investment three years ago.
Before there was a disconnect between supporters, the local media, and those in charge. Now, it is the complete opposite. Every York supporter you speak to will tell you, "We have our club back".Before their arrival there was the embarrassment of back-to-back relegations to National League North and regional football.
Every game felt like a home game because of the ridiculous following City continued to take with them. Even despite regular defeats against the likes of Curzon Ashton in front of just 300 home fans, or losing and being outplayed by the likes of Leamington, Kettering and Bradford Park Avenue, the City faithful stayed with them. Now we play in front of over 8,000 supporters at the LNER Community Stadium, take four-figure followings up and down the country every week, and score goals as if they are going out of fashion.
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