Rochdale have done it!
In dramatic fashion, Rochdale have returned to the Football League for the first time in three years. All it took was a chaotic season in the National League and a remarkable final.
For those unaware, Rochdale were not given an automatic promotion even after ending the season on 106 points which is insanity. So they had to do it the hard way. And, boy, did they.
Rochdale were down 0-2 to Boreham Wood at Wembley on Sunday. After gaining one back, they were still one goal shy seven minutes into stoppage time. Then comes the madness:
And so, after an additional 30 minutes, it went to penalties.
And then, it was Rochdale back in the Football League.
The National League represents the two largest extremes of football: anguish and ecstasy.
For Boreham Wood it was anguish. To surrender two goals very late into the final, and then be denied promotion, only to pick up the boulder and attempt the ascent next season.
For Rochdale it was a moment of ecstasy. A return to the league. to escape the fifth circle of hell.
The thing is it could have easily been different. Were it not for that incredible spot kick play in the 90+7th minute, I would’ve swapped the two. That’s how thin the margin is between anguish and ecstasy, and how easy it is to cross that line.
Fitzie’s Track of the Day: Black Throated Wind, by the Grateful Dead
And now for your links:
Alasdair Gold: “Roberto De Zerbi delivers Dejan Kulusevski return update after text exchange and makes Vicario claim”
Jay Harris ($$): “De Zerbi is right, for Archie Gray to flourish at Spurs he has to settle in one position”
BBC: “Biggest VAR call ever? Four chaotic minutes that may define the season”
The Guardian: “Rochdale return to Football League in shootout after Boreham Wood thriller”