Zak Johnson and York City are bidding to secure promotion from the National League this weekend.

Since signing for York City on loan during the January transfer window, Sunderland defender Zak Johnson’s season could hardly have gone any better.

The promising 21-year-old has appeared in all but one of the Minstermen’s National League fixtures, and has helped his side to a dizzying tally of 107 points that has taken them to the top of the table with just one fixture remaining.

And yet, it still might not be enough to secure promotion to the Football League. On Saturday lunchtime, Johnson and his York teammates make the trip to Rochdale for a clash that can be justifiably described as an “all or nothing” affair. Heading into the weekend, the Dale sit just two points adrift of their visitors, and with only one automatic promotion spot up for grabs in the fifth tier, there remains a strong possibility that City could be scuppered at the last.

Of course, a win for Johnson and co. would guarantee their place in League Two next season, as would a draw, but should they lose at the Crown Oil Arena, they will have to settle for a play-off position - and all of the uncertainty that brings with it.

It is set to be, in other words, the most dramatic of final day showdowns - and one that will be played in front of a sold-out crowd while the rest of the footballing world keeps half an eye on the outcome.

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For York boss Stuart Maynard, however, the aim is to treat the contest like any game. Speaking recently, he said: “We will keep our week as a normal working week. We won’t let any media come in and distract the way we want to work. I know it sounds bad, but it will be on our terms. Ultimately, we’re here focused on one job, that’s what we’ll be focused on, the players, all of us. We’re so focused - it’s a group and we’re hungry.”

Whether that approach works remains to be seen, but come the final whistle on Saturday afternoon, Johnson and his colleagues will either be preparing for the mother of all celebrations or an unwelcome play-off gauntlet.

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