THERE has not been much for Hartlepool United fans to smile about this season, but hundreds of travelling supporters were determined to have the last laugh for the final game of the National League term.

A decade of tradition has seen Pools supporters ditch their team’s kit in favour of fancy dress for the club’s last outing of the season, with clowns being selected for this year’s finale.

Train carriages of more than 700 clowns travelled from the North-East to Merseyside to see their squad clinch a 2-1 victory over Tranmere Rovers on Saturday.

In previous seasons, Pools fans have adopted outfits inspired by mime artists, Stormtroopers, penguins, Smurfs, and Morris dancers.