A Rhys Oates brace either side of a fine Luke Armstrong finish saw Pools surge into an early 3-0 lead before Bromley pulled a goal back early in the second half through James Alabi.
A long throw in from Chris Bush deflected in off Byron Webster deep into stoppage time to make it 3-2 but Pools were able to hold out for the final 30 seconds to set up a date with Stockport County in the play-off semi-finals at Edgely Park next Sunday (12pm kick-off).
Here are the Pools player ratings from the match…
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Rhys Oates celebrates Hartlepool United's opening goal. Photo: FRANK REID 2019
. Brad James - 6
Had a couple of nervy moments but didn’t really have a meaningful save to make. Photo: HUFC
. Jamie Sterry - 9
Forced a good save from Mark Cousins with a strong header. Attacked well and kept Bromley restricted down their left side. An excellent display. Photo: Frank Reid
. Gary Liddle - 8
Made a heroic diving header clearance to deny Chris Bush in the first half. Kept Pools calm despite conceding early in the second half. Photo: Christopher Booth
. Ryan Johnson - 8
Strong in the air as always as he dealt with the threat of top scorer Michael Cheek for the most part. Very rarely looked troubled despite Bromley’s obvious ability in attack. Photo: Mark Fletcher
1. Brad James - 6
Had a couple of nervy moments but didn’t really have a meaningful save to make. Photo: HUFC
2. Jamie Sterry - 9
Forced a good save from Mark Cousins with a strong header. Attacked well and kept Bromley restricted down their left side. An excellent display. Photo: Frank Reid
3. Gary Liddle - 8
Made a heroic diving header clearance to deny Chris Bush in the first half. Kept Pools calm despite conceding early in the second half. Photo: Christopher Booth
4. Ryan Johnson - 8
Strong in the air as always as he dealt with the threat of top scorer Michael Cheek for the most part. Very rarely looked troubled despite Bromley’s obvious ability in attack. Photo: Mark Fletcher