EFL Trophy: Rotherham progress against brave Hartlepool

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Hartlepool United 2 - 2 Rotherham United

Rotherham United win 5-4 on penalties

Rotherham United progressed to the final of the Papa John's Trophy after a nervy penalty shootout victory against a brave Hartlepool United side.

The home side twice led thanks to finishes from Joe Grey and Luke Molyneux, but Rotherham striker Michael Smith powered in two trademark headers to cancel out the lead.

European Super Football (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)

After the game went to a penalty shootout, both sides missed one kick apiece in the first five to take the game to sudden death. Tom Crawford then missed for Hartlepool, and Mickel Miller put the ball away for the away side to win it.

They will play Sutton United in the final at Wembley on 3 April. Sutton had beaten Wigan on the previous night to qualify for the final

You can watch the highlights of the match in the video below

Hartlepool boss Graeme Lee told BBC Tees: "You couldn't not enjoy the game. You're nervous and focused on what the lads are doing, but the effort against a top team in League One is immense. They stuck to everything we thought we had to do to stop them playing, but they keep going and are effective."

After the match, Hartlepool's Twitter account tweeted: "Hartlepool United exit the Papa John's Trophy after a 5-4 penalty shootout loss to Rotherham United. What a journey it's been. All the best in the final Rotherham United."

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Rotherham boss Paul Warne told BBC Radio Sheffield: "It's pretty amazing. I said to the players at the hotel before the game 'do it for your families, do it for your mum who drove you to train every day for 10 years or whatever."

One Rotherham fan added: "It was a nervy night, but always nice to have a trip to Wembley in a season. It could prove to be a memorable campaign for us."

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