Torquay United goalkeeper Lucas Covolan made a dramatic equalizer in injury time in the National League play-offs on Sunday afternoon and took Hartlepool United to extra time in Ashton Gate.
The Seagulls had to chase the game from the 35th minute, after forward Luke Armstrong gave Hartlepool the lead with a fantastic finish, losing Monkey Hangers closer to promotion.
Torquay’s hopes of getting back into the football league vanished with each passing second as the game went into injury. Gary Johnson’s men got one last roll of the dice in the fifth minute added time, when they got a free kick halfway inside the pool half.
The chasing side threw everyone into the box for the last chance, and even goalkeeper Covolan made a dash into the area. It was a much-needed bet so late in the game – and one that paid off in a fantastic way.
The ball floated into the heart of the penalty area and caused chaos in a panic in the Pools back line. Monkey Hangers goalkeeper Brad James came charging out of his sex yard to try to meet the delivery, but he did not get close to the ball and ended up in no man’s land.
Out of nowhere, Torquay shot-stopper Covolan jumped high into the air, floated towards the ball and made the perfect connection, so that the cross could foam off his head. This handsome girl hit the defense, and Hartlepool’s warriors could only see when their heads bounced over the finish line.
? STOPPAGE TIME TARGET SETTER GOAL WARNING! ?
Torquay has thrown absolutely everything into it and finally get their reward. ??
This is not over yet! ? pic.twitter.com/zEWLSb7fTD
– Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) June 20, 2021
Covolan celebrated wildly and rolled away to find a teammate to hug and embrace. It was an important goal for the last gas for Torquay, whose ambitions to return to League Two were suddenly revived from the point of extinction.
Torquay finished the National League campaign in second place, while Hartlepool finished fourth, just four points behind their playoffs.
Unfortunately for Covolan, his effort was in vain as Hartlepool eventually won 5-4 on penalties.
