'Good luck Hartlepool, do us proud!' - Messages for Hartlepool United ahead of National League final
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New MP Jill Mortimer leaders at Hartlepool Borough Council and the Love Hartlepool campaign group are all wishing the team well for this weekend’s National League Play-Off Final against Torquay United.
More than 3,000 Pools fans will be at Sunday’s game at Ashton Gate in Bristol with thousands more watching on TV.
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Hide AdThe 2pm clash is arguably the club’s biggest game since the 2005 side were beaten 4-2 at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium by Sheffield Wednesday in the League One play-off final.
Mrs Mortimer, who was at Victoria Park to for Hartlepool’s first match back with fans last month when they beat Weymouth 4-0, said: “I am crossing everything and wish I could be there.
"I will be watching the TV on the edge of my seat through my fingers, rooting for you all.
"I hope the lucky fans with tickets have a fantastic day and know that they will lift the team with the amazing support that I saw at Victoria Park."
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Hide AdThe leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, Councillor Shane Moore, said: "After two play-off wins already, victory in Sunday’s final would represent the ultimate hat-trick.
"Promotion back to the Football League – where the club truly belongs – would be thoroughly deserved after a brilliant season played out in very difficult circumstances.”
Denise McGuckin, the council’s managing director, added: "They have really done the town proud and the town is proud of them.”
The Love Hartlepool campaign group said promotion would create exciting opportunities for the whole town.
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Hide AdIt said: “The volunteers behind Love Hartlepool would like to wish Pools the best of luck for this weekend.
"We've loved seeing the support for our hometown, the dedication has been truly fantastic. Winning would be fantastic and well deserved for the entire team.
"It would mean just as much to the whole town. So best of luck Hartlepool United.”
Pools president and passionate Poolie Jeff Stelling said: “On Sunday, those 3,100 fans will make a hell of a row, they will be fantastic for us.
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Hide Ad“I desperately hope we give them something to shout about, I am sure we will.”
Follow our Sunday coverage of the big game at www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk