HARTLEPOOL UNITED have been relegated from the Football League.

Despite a superb 2-1 win over Doncaster at Victoria Park, Newport’s victory over Notts County leaves Pools in the bottom two and into the National League.

Newport bagged an 88th minute winner at Rodney Parade, the goal coming minutes after Pools has turned around a one-goal deficit to lead.

Substitute Devante Rodney looked like the unlikely hero, as he scored two second-half goals following his introduction to send Victoria Park into raptures.

Pools were set to safety amid the most raucous of atmospheres.

But when news arrived of the Exiles victory, Pools were down.

Pools, still reeling from the disastrous reign of former boss Dave Jones, who took Pools from a position in which they were 11 points ahead of the Exiles to a point behind them.

They trailed when Andy Williams netted from an offside position, but referee Mark Brown allowed it to stand after the ball came off a Pools player.

Bates said: “I can’t put it into words, it went both ways during the game.

"First half and they scored and they gave it, at half-time we are down, dead and buried. Then we turn it around sand are up, Newport are down. It changes again. It makes it worse.

“We thought we were there, I’m pessimistic I always am. We were in front, we had too manty attackers on the pitch and had to chance the shape.

“The performances was brilliant. I put it in isolation over two weeks while I’ve been here, I’m so proud of them over the two weeks. We had tears in the dressing room, I was emotional.

“For the two games I’ve been in charge they were fantastic.''

He added: “The performance today gives us something, but later it’s forgotten about. We have been relegated. For the players, staff, myself, coaches it sends us into next year with a plan to get back where it belongs for the fans.''

 

Hartlepool United: Carson; Donnelly, Walker, Harrison, Magnay; Woods (Deverdics 60), Featherstone (Rodney 67), Hawkins; Alessandra; Oates (Simpson 71), Amond. Subs: Fryer (gk), Richards, Smith, Rooney.

Doncaster: Lawlor; Alcock (McSheffrey 79), Butler, Wright, Blair; Rowe, Mason, McCulloch (Grant 53), Williams; Coppinger (Taylor-Sinclair 73), Marquis. Subs: Marosi, Keegan, Mandeville, May.