Hartlepool United

The last thing Rotherham United wanted as they battle on two fronts through the hard yards of the season was a full-blooded scrap.

Or perhaps it was as Robert Madley gave him the benefit of the doubt, and a yellow card. A caution was probably right for the fit-again Rarmani Edmonds-Green given how far out Omar Bogle was when the striker was cynically hauled down chasing the loose ball from a Ben Wiles tackle. Rotherham started the game like the League One side, but in this era where players get rotated rather than dropped, cup ties often come down to who wants it more and for much of the first half that was the hosts. Warne had to wheel out far more of his big guns than he would have wanted to and lost one, Jamie Lindsay, to the shoulder injury he brought into the game. Never having been to Wembley before and with their ground packed for a competition no one takes much notice of until the famous arch comes into view, Hartlepool United made Rotherham fight for everything they got in a bruising encounter. This time they fell short but only by the smallest of margins.

Millers supporters who have opted to collect tickets for tonight's Papa John's Trophy Semi-final at Hartlepool United will be able to do so from the Main ...

HARTLEPOOL United's Wembley dream is over. Pools were beaten 5-4 on penalties by Rotherham in a dramatic Papa John's Trophy semi-final after a pulsating tie ...

The Millers came on strong and Killip made a great save from Ogbene with Pools clearing before Smith could put in the rebound and then the goalie produced another stunning stop low to his left to keep out Ihiekwe. There was a third booking at the end of the half for the Millers when Jordi Tuta chopped down Grey. The Millers were rattled and there was more anger from the home faithful when Rarmani Edmonds-Green brought down Omar Bogle after Tom Crawford threaded him through. The home support was up in arms six minutes later when Wood brought down Molyneux but escaped with a gentle word from Mr Madley. There was fury from the home fans when Grey went down after a coming together with Richard Wood who, after a lengthy thought by the referee, was booked by Bobby Madley. The Millers were the first out of the blocks and had two early sights of the home goal.

Hartlepool United are delighted to announce that Tony Sweeney has signed a new long term contract with the club. Sweeney puts pen to paper in a deal that ...

“I’m delighted that Tony has signed a new long term contract with us. “I’m absolutely delighted that Sweens has signed his new deal. “I wanted to sign a new deal for the right reasons.

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Thank you to every one of you Poolies. Proud of the boys tonight & always proud to put on the blue and white.” Defender Jamie Sterry said on Twitter: “What a atmosphere that was! It was a cracking performance against a good side.

Graeme Lee is now switching his attentions to a League Two play-off push after their Papa John's Trophy semi final defeat to Rotherham United.

“First and foremost, we need to make sure that we get the right points to stay in this league and then it’s where we end up. I want to be fighting for something at the end of this season. You want more of this and you want the opportunity to be fighting. We’ve got to keep that consistency and performances. Lee added: “The performances have been good as of late and we’re picking up points which is what we want. They are the main thing but to get so close to Wembley, it would have been so much.

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It is critical to secure people like Tony who have the club at heart and as we look to push on in an exciting new chapter of league football.” "He’s a massive part of this club. "I’ve known Sweens from being a player here and then to having him as part of the staff and what he brings, not just to the staff but to the team with the detail of his coaching, is fantastic.

Attempt saved. Luke Molyneux (Hartlepool United) left footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal.

Joe Grey (Hartlepool United) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Luke Molyneux (Hartlepool United) left footed shot from a difficult angle on the right is blocked. David Ferguson (Hartlepool United) left footed shot from a difficult angle on the left is close, but misses the top left corner. Michael Smith (Rotherham United) header from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal. Luke Molyneux (Hartlepool United) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Goal! Hartlepool United 1, Rotherham United 0. Oliver Rathbone (Rotherham United) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Goal! Hartlepool United 1, Rotherham United 1. Michael Smith (Rotherham United) header from very close range to the top left corner. Nicky Featherstone (Hartlepool United) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the bottom left corner. Goal! Hartlepool United 2, Rotherham United 1. Goal! Hartlepool United 2, Rotherham United 2.

Hartlepool United lost 5-4 on penalties to Rotherham United after a 2-2 draw in the semi finals of the Papa John's Trophy.

“I thought when it got to 4-3 and we scored the penalty, I didn’t look because I thought we were through. “The lads have took responsibility and stepped up to take the penalties so fair play to them. Our performances in the league have been good but we can’t dwell on it. They just keep going and they are effective and that’s why they are top of the league but we dealt with them. They stuck to the game plan to try and stop hoe they play but they don’t stop. Performance wise, we’ve got to take so much from that.

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Picture by FRANK REID Picture by FRANK REID Picture by FRANK REID

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The Millers won that game 2-1 and will be hoping for a repeat this evening. The match can also be streamed by non-Sky Sports customers on NOW TV, with a 24 hour pass for all Sky Sports channels costing £11.98. The contest will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football, with coverage beginning at 7.30pm for the 7.45pm kick off.

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Phil Wanley: “Good luck Pools!” Kathleen Verrall: “Good luck lads. Terence Lynch: “Good luck for tonight lads.

Hartlepool and Rotherham look to fight their way to a Papa John's Trophy final at Victoria Park.

Neill Byrne will be available to select after a two-match suspension. The Millers have been on fire this season in EFL League One as they are currently first with only six losses from 36 matches. Graeme Lee has a few options to choose from as he tries to lead his club to the final.