Hartlepool United 3 Bromley 2 RECAP: Rhys Oates on fire as Pools set up Stockport County semi-final
Pools host Bromley (2:30pm kick-off) in front of around 1,700 fans for the play-off eliminator round match. The game will be decided on the day, via extra-time and penalties if necessary, with the losing side’s season coming to an end.
And after waiting all season for fans to return to Victoria Park, Hartlepool will now experience back to back matches in front of their supporters in little over a week.
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Hide AdBut unlike last Saturday’s 4-0 win over Weymouth, the pressure is on Pools to deliver and not slip up against Bromley.
Pools boss Dave Challinor has admitted that nerves are natural going into these big games but he hopes the crowd will be able to carry on the support they displayed last time out.
Dom Scurr is at The Vic for the Mail and we will bring you unrivalled coverage throughout the day.
Hartlepool United 3 (Oates, 17, 24, Armstrong 20) Bromley 2 (Alabi, 48) LIVE: Action and analysis from Victoria Park
Key Events
- Pools: James; Ferguson, Johnson, Liddle, Odusina, Sterry; Featherstone, Shelton, Holohan; Oates, Armstrong
- Subs: Ravas, Donaldson, Saunders, Elliott, Francis-Angol
- Lewis Cass misses out with a hamstring injury but Luke Armstrong is back in the starting line-up
HT: Pools are 3-0 up here and in command
Wow, time for a breather.
Pools are 3-0 up here at The Vic after a commanding first half display, Bromley couldn’t cope with Rhys Oates in particular - the forward has two goals to his name. Luke Armstrong with the other.
Bromley saw one effort cleared off the line, Gary Liddle with the header but that aside Pools are fully deserving of their strong lead. They have one foot in the semi-final against Stockport County next weekend.
GOOOAAAALLLLLLLLLL!!!!! Pools are now 3-0 up here
What is going on!
Pools are 3-0 up here at The Vic and it’s that man again - Rhys Oates with the goal.
Pools in command and in control.
GOOOOOOAAAAALLLLLL!!!!!! Quickfire second puts Pools in command, Luke Armstrong with the goal
And Pools go 2-0 up three minutes later!
Superb play again by Rhys Oates, he chases a longball hard and wins it, and then cuts the ball back to Armstrong, he takes a touch, makes some room and finishes well.
Pools, with 20 minutes gone here at The Vic, now lead 2-0 and are in command. Scenes in the stands!
GOOOOAAAAALLLL!!! Oates makes it 1-0
Rhys Oates puts Hartlepool United ahead with a superb finish in the 17th minute.
Featherstone picked him out with a superb long ball, Oates showed great strength and composure before finishing from the right-hand side of the penalty area, to put Pools ahead. The Vic erupts.
10’ - Still goalless here at The Vic
Pools have enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges.
Oates dragged an effort wide and Pools had a succession of three corners. Bromley yet to have a look-in but long way to go!
Armstrong down now with a knock but he’s back on his feet and play will continue. Good atmosphere and the pitch is looking superb.