Luke Armstrong opens up about his future and how his Dad and Darlington manager Alun got emotional over Hartlepool United win

It’s not often a Darlington manager gets emotional over a Hartlepool United victory but that’s what happened when Luke Armstrong celebrated promotion success with Pools.
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Armstrong had fired Pools ahead at Ashton Gate against Torquay United with Dave Challinor’s side less than a minute away from promotion back to the Football League.

Torquay United goalkeeper Lucas Covolan popped up to equalise deep into injury time to send the game into extra time, incredible drama and adding to the occasion at Ashton Gate.

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Thankfully Pools held firm and won 5-4 on penalties to send the travelling 3,100 fans wild.

Luke Armstrong celebrates his goal for Hartlepool United against Torquay United.Luke Armstrong celebrates his goal for Hartlepool United against Torquay United.
Luke Armstrong celebrates his goal for Hartlepool United against Torquay United.

The Salford striker has relished his loan spell at Pools and admits it was the ‘best decision’ he’s made in football to join on loan from Salford, Pools fans will certainly be hoping he is back next season.

Reflecting on the most dramatic of afternoons, Armstrong said: “I was just determined to get on the ball and when I got it, I was just determined to roll him and get a shot off.

"I took my touch round and thought this is a great chance here I’ve just got to hit it high so the keeper can’t get it and it’s snuck in off the bar. It was a great feeling and seeing all the Poolies celebrating.

“It couldn’t have finished in a better way.

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"I’ve loved my time here and I’ve just got to see what will happen next year, well I say next year, it’s only a few weeks!

"I’ve got another year at Salford but we’ll see what happens.

"To move here is the best decision I think I’ve ever made in football. It’s been a short career for me so far but just to come back home and play with this squad is just the best decision I’ve made.”

And he revealed what happened when he spoke to his Dad Alun, manager of National League North side Darlington, postmatch: “All we did was cry to each other, we were so emotional but it was always going to be that.

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"To get your dad feeling so proud of you is the best feeling. It’s been a rollercoaster of a day,” he told BBC Tees.

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