In his first full season in charge, Dave Challinor has led Hartlepool United to the Football League.

Pools dramtic penalty shootout win over Torquay United after a 1-1 draw and extra time has cemented their place in League Two for next season which begins on August 7th.

3,000 Pools fans watched the drama unfold at Ashton Gate with Pools on the brink of the Football League within 90 minutes only to concede from the keeper, Lucas Covolan, heading home from a cross. Luke Armstrong gave Pools the lead in the first half.

Brad James saved the decisive penalty in the shootout which result in a pitch invasion and scenes of jubilation at Ashton Gate. 

After the presentation, Challinor spoke to the media and, just like everyone else, found it hard to comprehend the events at the game. 

“It feels amazing. Absolutely amazing.

“You come into these play-off scenarios knowing that it’s a bit of a lottery and I suppose that then that changes with the ultimate lottery.

“When you’ve got our first two penalty takers miss and then their best two penalty takers miss, you start questioning what’s going on.

“Massively delighted. I’m made up for the players. This is a group of lads who were back in June when we came back in, were trialists, were lads who had been discarded by other clubs.

“We spoke about giving them a platform to go up. What we’ve done is looked at where we are at and reassessed with some loan players, who have been massively important for us and this group now has a chance of staying together.

“Because our scenario as a football club, as everyone would be, is massively different between being a National League club and a Football League club so hopefully good times ahead.

"There’s been a lift of positivity around the Football Club and off the field is looking good. Being back in the Football League will aid that process.

“Absolutely made up for the supporters. I’m not sure there’s massive social distancing going on over that far side but I’m not sure there was six thousand in the ground. Amazing atmosphere and one that I’ll remember because we’ve won and we spoke to the players beforehand."

"Everyone, regardless of the outcome, will be better for that experience, although I couldn’t go through the mill again like that."