Heartbreak for Torquay United - as they miss out on Football League
The Gulls were beaten 5-4 on penalties by Hartlepool United
Last updated 21st Jun 2021
A goal by GOALKEEPER Lucas Covolan was not enough to win Torquay United promotion back to the Football League.
He scored a last-minute headed equaliser - just as Hartlepool thought they had sealed promotion in the National League play-off final.
It remained 1-1 after 30 minutes of extra time - so on to penalties....
Four straight misses got nerves jangling until six straight spot-kicks were converted and sudden death was required.
After Ryan Donaldson scored for Hartlepool, Torquay's Matt Buse saw his effort pushed on to the bar by Pools keeper Brad James, confirming promotion to League Two for Dave Challinor's men from the north-east.
The match was played at Bristol City's Ashton Gate stadium - With Wembley in use for Euro 2020.
Torquay have been away from the Football League since 2014.