'Where would you like your statue?!': Hartlepool United fans hail Dave Challinor after promotion to League Two achieved

Hartlepool United are back in the EFL!
Hartlepool United are going up!Hartlepool United are going up!
Hartlepool United are going up!

After a dramatic afternoon at Ashton Gate, it was Pools who triumphed over Torquay United to seal their place in League Two.

Dave Challinor’s side won the tie on penalties after a 1-1 draw, in what was a memorable game for a variety of reasons.

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Luke Armstrong looked set to become the hero on the day as he fired home in the first-half to put Pools ahead, only for Torquay goalkeeper Lucas Covolan to equalise deep into injury time to send the game into extra time.

And fans were naturally delighted after the triumph! Here’s what they were saying on social media:

@ramsey_ian said: “What a mail biter. But #hufc win it after penalties. Great resilience after that 95 min heartbreak”

@Greggborofan added: “Get in! League 2 next year! Up the Pools!”

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@12BBYTHESEASIDE commented: “THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU THANKYOU”

@garethblackwood asked: “So, Mr Challinor, where would you like your statue?”

@sinky72 posted: “What a game that was!! Incredible!! Had everything, disallowed goals, 5th minute injury time equaliser by the keeper then 5-4 on penalties (first 2 missed by both teams) #TORvHAR #pools Congratulations @Official_HUFC”

@__jesslca tweeted: “UP THE #pools #HartlepoolUnited ! May not be coming home for England but it's coming home for #HUFC”

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@ladyworthi added: “Congratulations #Pools. That was a nerve wracking finish that needed cool heads. Well done everyone”

@ChrisMurph2210 said: “We are Football League say we are Football League, What a rollercoaster of a game and campaign, Well Done to the Club, Players and Staff”

@1JamesRobertson posted: “Never been so nervous watching a football match, what an unbelievable day for Pools”

@dredge5316 commented: “That’s why you never say die”

@kennyhiggs tweeted: “What a game it was. Unbelievable.”

@awayonsaturday1 joked: “Get In, Hartlepool!!!! Way that Torquay 'keeper was grinning during the penalties, revving up the crowd and trying to play the old mind games, I think I'd have blown him a little kiss, smiled and waved goodbye after the winning spot-kick went in”

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@BigGibUK added: “Poooooools are back in the football league. Horrible game to watch and penalties to decide it was brutal. What a way to go up!!! We are back!!!”

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