'Bring on Stockport' - Delighted Hartlepool United fans react to stunning Rhys Oates display in play-off win over Bromley

That was the message from the Pools fans after seeing their side beat Bromley 3-2 at The Vic in the National League play-off clash to set up a semi-final with Stockport next Sunday.

Rhys Oates was superb, scoring twice and assisting Luke Armstrong as Pools raced into a 3-0 lead before being pegged back in the second half.

A crowd of 1,700 fans watched the action unfold and they have been reacting on social media.

Philip Birdsall tweeted: “Oates having the game of his life!”

Andy Reeve tweeted: “What a great start, Oatesy is unplayable”

poolieboy1 tweeted: “Bring on Stockport!”

Paul tweeted: “This is quite simply stunning. Unbelievable stuff, the Vic must be absolutely bouncing!! #hartlepool #HUFC”

PoolieMags tweeted: “Scenes!!!!!! #HUFC”

Ryan Wilson tweeted: “The pools are going up#HUFC #Hartlepool”

NL Musings tweeted: “Well deserved victory for #HUFC. Excellent first half display. Oates & Armstrong superb and punished Bromley. Switched off a little in the second half & can't afford that in the semi-final.”

David Kinnersley added: “More nervy than needed to be but get in @Official_HUFC great first half performance won this @TheVanaramaNL play off #oates class”

Oates opened the scoring in the 17th minute, racing on to a long ball from Nicky Featherstone before showing excellent strength and composure to then prod home.

It was soon 2-0, Oates turning provider to set up Armstrong, again after showing good strength, Armstrong’s effort doubling the lead.

And it was that man again, Oates with the third goal for Pools in the 24th minute. Three goals in seven minutes saw Pools take control of the fixture in front of 1,700 fans inside a bouncing Victoria Park.

Bromley barely laid a glove in the first half, Gary Liddle with a diving header off the line the only attempt worthy of note from the visitors as Pools raced into a commanding half-time lead.

The visitors made two half-time subs and it was James Alabi who took advantage of a free header from a corner to cut the deficit within three minutes of the restart. Bromley scored again in the final minute but Pools held on to set-up the trip to Stockport County.

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