The moment has almost arrived. It’s been a long wait, but we’re finally about to find out who will be the last team to win promotion in English football this season.
The winner-takes-all finale sees the climax to the long campaigns of both teams – and it’s certain to be a gripping day of drama in the southwest.
Holidays for the players involved still need to wait a while yet, but that hasn’t stopped Hartlepool United from chartering a flight for their supporters on the big day.
For Torquay supporters, it’s all a little closer to home – Ashton Gate awaits, so which side will be brilliant in Bristol on Sunday?
Both clubs are desperate to make a return to League Two, Torquay have been missing from the 92 since 2018.
But for Hartlepool, it’s been eight years since they ended their 96-year run in the Football League.
One will get a return ticket this weekend – but with the game very close to call, you get the feeling whoever copes with the occasion the best will come out on top.
Both managers know how to win promotion but it’s over to the players now.
On behalf of LV BET, we wish both teams all the best in the Vanarama National League Promotion Final!
Torquay United
Gary Johnson loves a bit of home improvement on Sundays to keep him out of trouble. But completing Torquay United’s restoration job would be Devon’s number one fixer-upper’s finest achievement for some time.
They were languishing in the lower half of the National League South when the manager walked through the door.
Now they are only 90 minutes away from a League Two return.
We have the Gulls at 3/4 (1.75) to go up on Sunday at Ashton Gate – and they are on offer at 11/1 (12.00) to win 2-0.
There’s also 15/2 (8.50) on there being three goals between these free-scorers by half-time.
After getting a crucial goal in the semi-finals against Notts County, captain Asa Hall is an attractive 6/1 (7.00) to score at any time.
If you’re looking for a great deal, then don’t miss out on the excellent BetBooster we have on offer.
Form: D-D-D-D-D (90 mins)
Last time out: Torquay 4 v 2 Notts County AET
Top Goalscorer: Asa Hall 11, Danny Wright 11
League Form: 23 Wins, 11 Draws, 8 Defeats
Goals For: 68
Goals Against: 39
Position: 2nd
Hartlepool United
Pools fans have been hoping for a season like this for quite some time. Just when they needed it the most, the club so relentless on home turf put in a stellar showing on the road.
They couldn’t have timed their semi-final win at Stockport County any better.
Now on neutral ground the supporters who dared to dream big know they are one game away from ending their eight-year EFL exile.
Dave Challinor knows what it feels like to lose a Promotion Final – and he does want his players to feel the pain he did two years ago.
Pools are 19/20 (1.95) to recapture their place in the EFL, and 3/2 (2.50) to do it inside 90 minutes.
Both sides have such quality in attack – and you can get five goals in normal time at 11/1 (12.00).
If Hartlepool fans are feeling confident, a 3-0 is priced at 25/1 (26.00).
Form: W-W-W-L-W
Last time out: Stockport County 1-0
Top Scorer: Rhys Oates: 18 Goals
League Form: 22 Wins, 10 Draws, 10 Defeats
Goals For: 66
Goals Against: 43
Position: 4
Previous meetings this season
Sat 6 Mar 21: Torquay United 0 – 1 Hartlepool United
Sat 31 Oct 20: Hartlepool United 0 – 5 Torquay United
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*Odds subject to change. Odds correct at time of publishing.