Rushden & Diamonds and Oxford United shared a 1-1 draw in the other play-off semi-final first-leg at Nene Park.
Top scorer James Constable volleyed the visitors into the lead midway through the opening half.
But the home side were back level early in the second period as Mark Byrne found the roof of the net after receiving Paul Terry’s pass.
However, the dangerous Constable almost snatched it for his side late on when heading an Anthony Tonkin free-kick over.
Earlier Byrne and Craig Farrell had gone close for the hosts, while Aaron O’Connor headed over a Byrne cross just after Constable’s opener.
Diamonds striker O’Connor soon wasted another opportunity after the break and substitute Jefferson Louis then forced U’s keeper Ryan Clarke into a late reflex stop.
Rushden & Diamonds: Roberts, Osano, Downer (Huke 89), Stuart, Robinson, Porter, Terry, Byrne, O’Connor, Farrell (Louis 60), Tomlin (Akurang 74)
subs (unused): Day, Pattison, Huke
Goals: Byrne (51)
Oxford United: Clarke, Batt, Creighton, Wright, Tonkin, Chapman, Bulman, Clist, Green (Potter 67), Constable, Midson (Sandwith 90)
subs (unused): Turley, Day, Deering
Goals: Constable (29)
Ref: D. Coote
Att: 4,535
Join Vital York City
It’s easy to register simply click the link and enjoy getting involved
