It was an up and down campaign that ultimately ended in the best way possible as Pools secured promotion with a 5-4 penalty shoot out victory over Torquay United in the promotion final at Ashton Gate.
Now the dust has settled, here’s a look back at eight moments that defined Pools’ promotion campaign…
5. Unbeaten run
Between February and May 2021, Pools went on a 16 match unbeaten run in the National League which saw them climb (briefly) to the top of the division. The run epitomised Pools' defensive resilience, character and team spirit that eventually saw the side promoted. It was the longest undefeated streak of any side in the National League up until that point and only ended up being bettered by Stockport County's 18 game run, though we all know how that ended! Photo: Chris Booth
6. Rhys Oates' clean sheet
This happened in the midst of Pools' unbeaten run but is one that deserves a moment of its own. Pools were trailing 2-1 at Boreham Wood when Ben Killip picked up a serious elbow injury that would effectively end his season. Without a goalkeeper on the bench, Oates was selected to go in between the sticks as loan sensation Richie Bennett replaced him up front. Oates ended up keeping a comfortable clean sheet as Bennett scored a late header to rescue a point for Dave Challinor's side. It was one of many moments that helped Oates secure an end of season awards clean sweep. Photo: HUFC
7. The return of fans
This was a big one. After well over a year away from Victoria Park, Pools fans finally returned for the final home match of the regular season against Weymouth. It was a game that had been rearranged to allow supporters to attend and the 1,700 at The Vic certainly weren't disappointed as Hartlepool put on a show with a 4-0 victory. The roar from the stands brought something out in the Pools players and gave them something that they would take into the play-off campaign as they followed it up with three impressive victories in front of supporters to earn promotion. Photo: Frank Reid
8. THAT weekend in Bristol
This arguably deserves a list of it's own. From the scenes at Millennium Square to the game itself and the scenes that followed, this was undoubtedly one of the best moments in Hartlepool United's recent history. The match had everything, late drama, a goalkeeper scoring, a pitch invasion and of course the penalty shoot out which saw Pools secure promotion following the 1-1 draw against Torquay at Ashton Gate. We all felt Dave Challinor's tears at the full time whistle after one of the longest and hardest season's the club has had to endure. Brad James' save from Matt Buse's penalty has etched him and his teammates into Poolie folklore. One we'll all remember for a long, long time. Photo: Nigel French