Jamie Sterry reveals the Hartlepool United dressing room reaction to win over Stockport County

Rhys Oates celebrates after scoring their first goal during the Vanarama National League match between Stockport County and Hartlepool United. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)

A goal from Rhys Oates was enough to seal a 1-0 win over Stockport County in the semi-final and to set up a final against Torquay United at Bristol City’s Ashton Gate ground next Sunday.

Pools defender Sterry told BBC Tees: “We are all absolutely buzzing, we have worked so hard for that.

"You can’t really put into words how you feel.

"We worked so hard, it was so hot, we put a shift in defending.

"The feeling, this is what you dream of but we haven’t won nothing yet.”

Sterry added: “Pressure is what you want in a game, playing in front of a big crowd, we dealt with the pressure well.

"You could see all the players out there were tremendous.

"You have to go into the game with confidence, you can’t be stupid and have to keep your head, especially in the heat.

"You go out the tunnel with that confidence, this is the day, this is what we are here for.”

And the defender also had words of praise for goalscorer Oates – “Oatesy has been tremendous this season.”

Dave Challinor, meanwhile, was also a happy man after the game and he was delighted Pools made it through to the final.

The Pools boss added: “Systems and formations make games, I always expected it to be a tight game with the systems we played and to create an overload situation it would have required a centre-back stepping up and making good decisions.

"It was pretty obvious that one goal was going to decide the game with the way it was unfolding.

"It was a scrappy goal from nothing but a decent strike from the edge of the box but I honestly don’t care how it came about!”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Hartlepool United coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor