Reading transfer target helps York City clinch dramatic promotion

Reading FC transfer target York City striker Josh Stones helped the Minstermen end a 10-year Football League exile via a dramatic 1-1 draw at promotion rivals Rochdale.

City clinched promotion with virtually the last kick of the National League season and Uggla instantly turned her attention to competing in League Two next season.

It was a close-run thing for York, however, as they sought the point that would guarantee the National League title and the one automatic promotion place available.

In the fifth minute of six due to be added on, Emmanuel Dieseruvwe headed in the opening goal that looked certain to secure the win Rochdale needed to overtake York in first place.

But that sparked a pitch invasion by home supporters and a six-minute delay in which time York manager Stuart Maynard was able to rally his disconsolate troops for one last push.

The team talk worked wonders and, with 103 minutes on the clock, Callum Howe’s header, from a Ryan Fallowfield cross, was saved and Josh Stones forced the loose ball over the line, despite the efforts of Tyler Smith to clear.

The 22-year-old striker has impressed in his full first season with National League side York City – having already scored 17 goals and provided seven assists in the league in 40 appearances.

Alan Nixon reported last month that Reading, Stockport and Oxford all checked on Stones at Morecambe on Saturday – with Luton and Wycombe Wanderers also monitoring the striker after sending scouts to watch him against Scunthorpe.

The striker joined York from Wigan Athletic in January 2025 having just returned to the Tics following a loan at Oldham Athletic, in which he scored four goals in six games.

He moved to then-Championship side Wigan Athletic in summer 2022, and made his professional debut in the EFL Trophy against Fleetwood Town.

He joined the club under the stewardship of Leam Richardson, with Stones playing a single minute under the manager against Fleetwood Town.

Stones spent time on loan in Scotland in the second half of the 2022/23 campaign, gaining more experience at Ross County, before enduring another loan spell at the back end of the year, this time with Oldham.

His phase there was cut short due to injury, but in the four games played, he proved his worth with three goals and as many assists.

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