Bromley lost 3-2 at Hartlepool as promotion hopes ended in National League play-offs

Bromley’s season came to a crunching halt as they lost 3-2 to Hartlepool United in the National League play-off eliminator at Victoria Park.

Three goals in seven minutes condemned Andy Woodman’s side to another season in the fifth tier of English football.

The first chance of the game fell to Hartlepool, Rhys Oates’s snapshot flew just wide of the post. But in the 16th minute the home side were ahead. A long ball forward was latched on to by Oates, who poked it past Mark Cousins in the Bromley goal.

The Pools doubled their lead two minutes later, when Luke Armstrong scored from close range. Dave Challinor’ side were in a relentless mood and scored a third when Oates picked the ball up on the edge of the box and fired a low strike into the bottom corner.

The Ravens did came close to pulling one back just before the break, Chris Bush’s clever chip was cleared off the line by Gary Liddle.

Bromley did get a goal back just after the restart. Millwall loanee Alex Mitchell’s header found James Alabi, who nodded home. The Ravens came so close to adding a second when Billy Bingham’s shot deflected just wide with 20 minutes to go.

The Ravens did score a second in added time, Chris Bush’s long throw ended up in the back of the net.

Andy Woodman’s side continued to search for an equaliser but ultimately fell short in the end