IT was a day of swinging emotions that ultimately resulted in heartbreak for Hartlepool United fans who stayed at home to watch the club's biggest game in its history.

Thousands of supporters had travelled down to Cardiff for the Division One play-off final - leaving the streets of the town deserted.

It was different story in the town's pubs and clubs which were packed to the rafters with fans urging on their team.

Historically, the team is more accustomed to fighting off relegation than battling for promotion.

But with Hartlepool attempting to get into the second tier of football for the first time, fans were full of optimism at the kick-off.

By the end of extra time their dreams of Pool playing in the Championship were shattered by Sheffield Wednesday.

Devastated Pool supporter Brian Spower said: "We are absolutely gutted but the boys did us proud. It was a rollercoaster ride and it just wasn't to be. Hopefully, the lads will be able to pick themselves up and go for it again next year."

At the end of the nerve-wracking game, the fans in town centre pub Bar Paris were still chanting for their heroes.

A tearful Jenny Collins said: "They ran their hearts out but it was a dodgy decision that cost us the game - we were minutes away from playing in the Championship."

Emotions were stretched in topsy-turvy game which saw Pool fall behind early on, before taking the lead, only to be pegged back when victory seemed within reach.

Pool fans' hearts were finally broken when a last gasp goal fourth from Drew Talbot extinguished any hopes of a desperate fight back.

As the ball hit the back of the net everyone in the pub held their heads in their hands in total despair.

Paul Lambert summed up the emotional feeling of the day. "We were so close yet so far away - roll on August and the new season."