Humphreys hits spot in shoot-out to end Hartlepool's jinx
Tranmere 2 - Hartlepool 0 aet; 2-2 agg; Hartlepool win 6-5 on penalties
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The veteran striker Ritchie Humphreys struck the winning penalty for Hartlepool to sink Tranmere at Prenton Park last night and book a League One play-off final date at the Millennium Stadium against his former club Sheffield Wednesday.
The veteran striker Ritchie Humphreys struck the winning penalty for Hartlepool to sink Tranmere at Prenton Park last night and book a League One play-off final date at the Millennium Stadium against his former club Sheffield Wednesday.
Managerless Hartlepool finally ended their jinx they had lost all of their four previous play-off semi-finals after squandering a two-goal lead from the first leg.
Second-half goals on the night from Ryan Taylor and substitute David Beresford had sent the game into extra time as Rovers deservedly levelled the tie. But caretaker-manager Martin Scott's side held their nerve better in a tense shoot-out.
Taylor saw his first penalty saved, but after Gavin Strachan had buried his for Pools Mark Tinkler's effort was saved by Rovers' goalkeeper John Achterberg.
The Rovers defender Ian Sharps then had the agony of seeing his spot-kick smothered before Humphreys buried his to send Hartlepool through.
Despite losing Jason McAteer through injury in the first half after he suffered an early knock Tranmere largely dominated.
Their pressure finally paid off after 70 minutes when Taylor curled a free-kick just inside the post.
The visiting keeper Dimitrios Konstantopoulos continued to thwart the home side until Rovers scored a second goal after 86 minutes, Beresford cutting in on the edge of the area and driving into the far corner.
Tranmere Rovers: Achterberg; Taylor, Jackson, Sharps, Goodison (Beresford, 55), Hall, Rankine, McAteer (Harrison, 20), Roberts, Hume, Dadi (Dagnall, 119). Substitutes not used: Whitmore, Linwood.
Hartlepool United: Konstantopoulos; Barron (Tinkler, 66), Nelson, Westwood, Robson, Williams, Humphreys, Strachan, Sweeney, Boyd (Butler, 85), Daly (Porter, 72). Substitutes not used: Provett, Clark.
Referee: M Atkinson (West Yorkshire).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments