Hartlepool advance to Cardiff after penalty drama

Tranmere 2 Hartlepool 0 (2-2 on aggregate, Hartlepool win 6-5 on penalties)

Veteran striker Ritchie Humphreys struck the winning penalty to break Tranmere hearts at Prenton Park and book a Coca-Cola 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 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 raised the roof as Rovers deservedly levelled the tie in thrilling fashion.

But caretaker-boss Martin Scott’s side held their nerve in the shoot-out after it appeared they had blown their chance again.

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.

It was then Rovers defender Ian Sharps who had the agony of seeing his spot-kick smothered before Humphreys buried his to send Pools on their way.