From 4am onwards, Pools fans began the journey to Cardiff in 2005. Were you among them?From 4am onwards, Pools fans began the journey to Cardiff in 2005. Were you among them?
From 4am onwards, Pools fans began the journey to Cardiff in 2005. Were you among them?

Come on Pools! 10 photos of fans enjoying an unforgettable play-off final day in 2005

The clock is ticking until Hartlepool United’s biggest day for 16 years.

Sunday’s Conference Premier play-off final will determine whether Hartlepool United return to the Football League, and what a day of celebration if it will be if Pools pull off a fantastic win.

In the meantime, let’s get into the spirit of the occasion with a look back to 2005 when Hartlepool United came within eight minutes of winning promotion to the Championship.

We have early morning scenes as fans boarded buses for the long journey to Wales, and we have fans in Cardiff as they headed to the stadium for Pools first ever appearance in a play-off final.

See if you can spot someone you know.