Rochdale complete crazy comeback vs Boreham Wood to secure promotion to the EFL

Rochdale missed out on automatic promotion back to the EFL on the last day of the season, as York City drew with the Greater Manchester side, scoring a 103rd-minute equaliser to snatch the title with one of the last kicks of the season.

Rochdale then had one more chance to gain promotion this season, which was through the dreaded play-offs. With them finishing second on 106 points, they entered the play-offs in the semi-finals, meaning they were two wins away from promotion.

In their home play-off game against Scunthorpe United, the hosts won 2-1 to book their spot in the final. Boreham Wood, who finished fourth, had beaten Forest Green Rovers and Carlisle United to secure their spot at Wembley Stadium.

While Rochdale went into the game as favourites, it was never going to be easy for them. With the pressure being on the Dale, this allowed Boreham Wood to play with more freedom, and it was clear to see in the early stages of the game.

Boreham Wood took the lead after 22 minutes through Matt Rush. Abdul Abdulmalik burst down the left-hand side before crossing a ball into the box, which met the chest of Rush, and the ball found its way into the back of the net.

The first goal was always going to be crucial, and it had gone the way of the Wood. At half-time, the London side were in the lead 1-0, and were 45 minutes away from promotion. For Rochdale, they had a huge second half coming up to salvage something from the final.

Things went from bad to worse for Rochdale however, as the fast feet of Abdul Abdulmalik saw him find space inside the box before sending a strike towards goal. His shot took a deflection on the way to goal, and hit the back of the net. The Wood were 20 minutes away from a first-ever season in League Two, while Rochdale were running out of time.

Tyler Smith gave his side a lifeline with 12 minutes to go, and set up a grandstand finish at Wembley Stadium.

In the 97th minute, a long ball up the field found the head of the ever-present Emmanuel Dieseruvwe, who headed home via a deflection, bringing the game level at the death.

The full-time whistle was blown, and a further 30 minutes of play beckoned both teams to find a winner.

After two hours of action, neither side was in front, meaning penalties would decide who secured promotion to the EFL.

Boreham Wood's experienced defender Callum Reynolds stepped up to the spot, but he missed, giving the Dale a huge opportunity to take the lead. Sam Beckwith converted his penalty, giving Rochdale the lead.

The following two penalties were scored, seeing Boreham Wood trail 2-1, as Matt Rush stepped forward. The striker netted 26 goals in the league during the 2025/26 season, and the Wood faithful was expecting him to score. However, he did not...

Callum Perry now had the chance to put Rochdale 3-1 up in the shootout and mount the pressure on Boreham Wood. His penalty was scored, and Cameron Coxe had to score to keep the tie alive.

The Welshman saw his spot kick rattle the bar, which confirmed Rochdale's promotion back to the Football League. A three-season absence from League Two has ended, with the Dale returning following an impressive season.

Despite their heartbreak on the final day, their season has succeeded. Promotion at Wembley Stadium will feel ever so sweet for the football club, who join York City in returning to the EFL.