York had enjoyed all the clear-cut chances in the game, with Dale having goalkeeper Oliver Whatmuff to thank for a series of good saves.
Rochdale started well and they thought they had taken a lead in the eighth minute. Dan Moss rose to meet a cross from the right, and both the ball and York goalkeeper Harrison Male were bundled into the back of the net. But referee Will Finnie blew for a foul.
It took 14 minutes for the first effort on goal. Rochdale’s Luke Hannant curled a right-footed effort well wide of the target from inside the D.
York won a free-kick in the 37th minute after Whatmuff had handled outside the area. Ben Brookes chose to shoot from a tight angle, and his wild effort drew cheers from the home fans.
The first real chance came three minutes after half-time when Hiram Boateng sent Josh Stones through, but he could only shoot straight at Whatmuff from an angle.
Immediately afterwards, Dale’s Moss flashed a shot just wide of the target.
York began to look dangerous on the break as Boateng again sent Stones in on goal, once more he could only find the goalkeeper.
Rochdale were awarded a free-kick just outside the box in the 72nd minute when Dieseruvwe was barged over. Substitute Aidan Barlow took on the responsibility but could only life his effort over the bar.
As time ticked away Ollie Pearce, who stole the ball off Ethan-Ebanks-Landell, fed in Stones who saw his deflected effort brilliantly clawed away by Whatmuff.
There was a sniff of a chance for Dale as Dieseruvwe tried to get on the end of a cross from the left, but it was just too high for the striker to reach.
York should have ended any lingering nerves in the 90th minute, but Greg Olley saw his effort saved by Whatmuff from point-blank range.
Two minutes into added time Rochdale almost got the goal they so desperately needed. A corner was deliver from the left and York’s Callum Howe saw his header crash back of his own crossbar.
Then came the incredible stoppage-time drama.
York City had spent 10 years outside the Football League, including five seasons in the National League North. Now they are back.
Rochdale must now pick themselves up and try again in the playoffs. Dale will be back at the Crown Oil Arena for a home semi-final a week on Sunday against Scunthorpe or Southend.