The League Two line up for next season was confirmed this afternoon at Wembley Stadium with Dagenham & Redbridge victorious in the end of season finale.
The Daggers won a pulsating game 3-2 to earn promotion which means Rotherham United will have to be content with another season in League Two. In an end to end game the decisive moment came on seventy minutes when the Millers were unable to clear from a corner and an unfortunate Kevin Ellison, who was a target of the Silkmen last summer, was only able to divert a Jon Nurse shot into his own net.
Earlier Ryan Taylor had twice levelled matters for the South Yorkshire team after goals from the prolific Paul Benson and Danny Green. The striker was close to moving to the Moss Rose in March after Gary Simpson had agreed terms with his counterpart Ronnie Miller, but a last minute change saw Taylor head to Exeter from where he returned at the end of the season.
Promoted to League One
Notts County, AFC Bournemouth, Rochdale, Dagenham & Redbridge
Relegated to League Two
Stockport County, Southend United, Wycombe Wanderers, Gillingham
Promoted to League Two
Stevenage Borough, Oxford United
Relegated to Blue Square Premier
Darlington, Grimsby Town
Commenting on this afternoon's game Gary Simpson was full of praise for John Still's team.
"They had the momentum going into the game and whilst I admit I thought Rotherham would do it, you can't take anything away from Dagenham," explained Gary.
"They deserve their chance at a higher level and whilst they've spent a bit of money to hold onto the likes of Benson, it shows what can be achieved."
"Rotherham will be amongst the favourites to bounce back and don't back against Oxford or Stevenage. I know for a fact they are offering players big money so certainly won't be going into the new season simply just looking to consolidate their position in the league."