That was, of course, the great day when United sealed their return to the Football League after beating Torquay United on penalties.
In a game that had everything it was fitting that it ended with a sudden-death shootout - all four opening penalties were missed with Lucas Covolan saving from Nicky Featherstone and Luke Armstrong while Billy Waters and Danny Wright missed for the Gulls.
Each side then scored their next four spot-kicks before substitute Matt Buse's effort down the middle was parried on to the crossbar by Brad James to seal a memorable promotion.
Some of those players are still with the club, though many have now moved on to pastures new.
Here we look at how each of those 15 players have fared since the day they will never forget.
Let us know your memories of the play-off final win via our social media channels.
And remember to get all your latest Hartlepool United news, here.
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Hartlepool United players celebrate their promotion to the Football League after beating Torquay United on penalties. Photo: Harry Trump
. Brad James
James spent the last three months of the season on loan from Middlesborough at Hartlepool and made the match-winning penalty save. The following day he returned to his parent club where he is still on the books. Photo: Harry Trump
. Jamie Sterry
Jamie Sterry scored his penalty in the shoot-out and is still a first team regular for Hartlepool United. He recently signed for Doncaster Rovers. Photo: George Wood:
. David Ferguson
David Ferguson was named in the National League's 2020/21 team of the year. The left-back remains a first team regular at the club. Photo: Pete Norton
1. Brad James
James spent the last three months of the season on loan from Middlesborough at Hartlepool and made the match-winning penalty save. The following day he returned to his parent club where he is still on the books. Photo: Harry Trump
2. Jamie Sterry
Jamie Sterry scored his penalty in the shoot-out and is still a first team regular for Hartlepool United. He recently signed for Doncaster Rovers. Photo: George Wood:
3. David Ferguson
David Ferguson was named in the National League's 2020/21 team of the year. The left-back remains a first team regular at the club. Photo: Pete Norton
4. Ryan Johnson
Johnson left Hartlepool United at the end of the season after receiving a financially bigger offer from Port Vale. Johnson found first-team opportunities limited and joined Stockport County on 6 January 2022, having previously played under Dave Challinor at Hartlepool. Photo: Charlotte Tattersall