Heroic Pools were nine minutes away from securing Championship football for the first time in their history against Sheffield Wednesday.
Martin Scott's men led with time running out thanks to a second half figthback which had Pools fans believing the impossible was about to come true.
Wednesday had struck the first blow on the stroke of half time when John-Paul McGovern slide in the opening goal from close range after good work from Criag Rocastle on the left side of the box.
However, Pools came out fighting after the restart and despite having lost Thomas Butler to injury midway through the first half and then, cruelly Joel Porter and Micky Barron midway through the second, they began to dictate the game.
Whilst The Owls had deservedly taken the lead during a dominant first period, they hardly had time to settle in the second before Pools were on level terms.
Eifion Williams, Butler's replacement, sneaked in at the back post to fire home from close range and send the hordes of assembled Poolies wild with delight.
It got better for the travelling army with twenty minutes left on the clock when Jon Daly, just on for the injured Porter, charged in to meet Gavin Strachan's pinpoint free-kick from the right and fire Pools in to the lead.
It looked as if they could hang on to clinch promotion but the game swung on a cruel penalty award for Wednesday. Chris Westwood was adjudged to have tugged back Drew Talbot and the referee pointed to the spot and showed Westwood the red card.
Despite television replays proving inconclusive, it was the moment which turned the match and Wednesday pulled level through Steven MacLean's spot kick, with Dimi Konstantopoulos unlucky not to save having got a hand to it.
Extra time beckoned and it was always likely to be a struggle for Pools with just ten men and The Owls made their advantage pay just four minutes in. Greg Whelan drove in to the heart of Pools' defence and drilled a powerful shot beyond Konstantopoulos and restore Wednesday's lead.
Pools toiled in the heat of The Millennium Stadium trying to find an equaliser but there best chance came through a Strachan free-kick which was blocked by the resolute Wednesday wall.
As the Owls fans bayed for the final whistle, Talbot put the issue beyone doubt by racing clear, rounding Konstantopoulos and firing home to secure Wednesday's promotion to the Coca Cola Championship.
It was harsh on Pools who were once again left to rue injuries to key players and an unfortunate refereeing decision.
Full Time: Sheffield Wednesday 4 Pools 2 (AET)
