'I need Jeff Stelling’s reaction...' - Hartlepool United fans are buzzing with play-off semi-final win against Stockport County

Hartlepool United have done it!
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Pools have reached the National League play-off final at Bristol City next Sunday.

Rhys Oates grabbed the winner this afternoon against Stockport County to set up a National League play-off final at Ashton Gate next weekend.

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That means Pools are one game away from the Football League now and will face Torquay United for a spot in League Two.

STOCKPORT, UK. JUNE 13TH  Scott Andrews of Stockport County contests a header with Gavan Holohan of Hartlepool United during the Vanarama National League match between Stockport County and Hartlepool United at the Edgeley Park Stadium, Stockport on Sunday 13th June 2021. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)STOCKPORT, UK. JUNE 13TH  Scott Andrews of Stockport County contests a header with Gavan Holohan of Hartlepool United during the Vanarama National League match between Stockport County and Hartlepool United at the Edgeley Park Stadium, Stockport on Sunday 13th June 2021. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)
STOCKPORT, UK. JUNE 13TH Scott Andrews of Stockport County contests a header with Gavan Holohan of Hartlepool United during the Vanarama National League match between Stockport County and Hartlepool United at the Edgeley Park Stadium, Stockport on Sunday 13th June 2021. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)

The National League play-off matches so far this season had been a far cry from the tense, cagey affairs you expect when the season is on the line. The previous three play-off matches had yielded 16 goals between them.

But for Stockport and Pools it was all about getting through, regardless of how they did it – claiming a spot in the promotion final against Torquay United at Ashton Gate on June 20 (2pm kick-off) was paramount.

As expected, Dave Challinor named an unchanged starting line-up from the side that had beaten Bromley 3-2 in the play-off eliminator match the week prior.

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The attacker finished from 20-yards out with a fine, low strike to put Pools ahead with 15 minutes to go… a superb finish from the in-form top scorer.

Here, we take a look at what Hartlepool United fans are saying about today’s result Twitter ahead of the game:

@MrAndyroo81: “Brad James was phenomenal tonight.”

@GuiseppiJoe: “Yeeeesssssssss bring it on.”

@paulkeay: “YAAAASSSSS!!!!!! UNBELIEVABLE!!!”

@Poolieboy1Les1: Get in there my beauties. Well done to you all. I'm crying my eyes out with joy.”

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@john__sharpe: “That’s what the best manager in the league gets you absolute masterclass.”

@Bunney_93: “Huge win .. Congrats to everyone .. the boy @OatesRhys on fireeee.”

@RossHamMil: “You absolutely love to see it.”

@JMRphin: “YYYEEEAAAAASSSSSSSS!!!! GET IN BOYS!!!! PLAYOFF FINAL HERE WE COME!!! I AM ALIVE RIGHT NOW!!!”

@TheWillTommo: “YES POOOOOOOOOLLLS BRING THIS FORM TO BRISTOL”

@melissacwalsh: “Go on you beautiful Pools.”

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@XxgemidodgerxX: “I need Jeff Stelling’s reaction to this like I need air.”

@thatguyneeks: “Well done to everyone at Hartlepool.”

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