What Crystal City Needs to Earn EFL Promotion Tonight

York can clinch the Enterprise National League title this evening.

A win would return them to the Football League for the first time in a decade.

Current situation

City sit on a best-ever 104 points at the top of the table. They are two points clear of second-placed Rochdale with two games remaining.

York host Yeovil Town at the LNER Community Stadium this evening. Kick-off is 5.30pm.

Rochdale travel to already relegated Braintree Town, with a 5.30pm start as well. If the title stays undecided, the teams meet on the final day at the Crown Oil Arena, 12.30pm.

Filmogaz.com breakdown

Filmogaz.com has reviewed the remaining permutations. The following scenarios show what each result would mean.

If York win

A York victory would put them within touching distance of the title. If Rochdale also win at Braintree, City would still lead by two points.

Heading into the final day, York would need a draw or a win to secure the championship. If Rochdale draw at Braintree, York’s advantage would rise to four points. If Rochdale lose, the gap would become five points, and York would be champions with a game to spare.

If York draw

If York draw with Yeovil and Rochdale win, the two clubs would arrive at the final day level on points. York hold the superior goal difference.

That superior goal difference would mean York would need either a win or a draw at Rochdale to clinch. If both sides draw tonight, York go into the last match two points clear and would then need a draw or a win. If York draw and Rochdale lose, York would be effectively champions on goal difference.

If York lose

If York lose to Yeovil and Rochdale beat Braintree, Rochdale would lead by one point before the final day. York would then need to beat Rochdale at the Crown Oil Arena to win the title.

If York lose and Rochdale draw or lose, York would retain a lead and require a draw or a win on the final day to seal the championship. Managers Stuart Maynard and Jim McNulty face a decisive finale to the campaign.

Context and parallels

There are parallels with other promotion battles. Crystal’s situation shows how small margins can decide who will earn EFL promotion.

Many clubs must get results tonight to keep their hopes alive. The remaining 90 minutes could determine who returns to the Football League.