Tranmere Rovers v Rochdale — Saturday, 1 August (15:00 BST)
Rochdale’s first season back in the EFL after three years away was every bit as dramatic as York’s. Shaking off final-day heartbreak, Dale defeated Scunthorpe in the play-offs to reach a Wembley promotion decider against Boreham Wood.
Wood looked set for a historic first EFL promotion thanks to goals from Matt Rush and Abdul Abdulmalik, but Tyler Smith pulled one back with 13 minutes left, and in the seventh minute of stoppage time Dieseruvwe levelled to force extra time.
With no breakthrough in the additional 30 minutes, Jimmy McNulty’s side prevailed 3-1 in the shootout, inspired by two crucial saves from 18-year-old Manchester City loanee Oliver Whatmuff.
Like fellow promoted side York, Rochdale also changed managers over the summer—albeit in different circumstances. McNulty departed to take charge of League One play-off finalists Stockport, and South Shields boss Ian Watson was appointed as his successor.