HAVERFORDWEST County AFC is generating a wave of excitement as they gear up to represent Pembrokeshire and Wales in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers this week. This marks their first foray into European competition in nearly two decades, having secured their spot by triumphing in the Cymru Premier play-offs under the leadership of Tony Pennock.
The Bluebirds are set to embark on a journey to North Macedonia, where they will face KF Shkendija in the away leg on Thursday, July 13. A week later, on July 20, they will host the return leg at the esteemed Cardiff City Stadium.
Their upcoming opponents, KF Shkendija, possess an impressive track record, having clinched the national championship four times. Furthermore, they are well-versed in European competition, having attained a commendable third-place finish in their domestic league last season.
The draw held in Geneva marked a significant moment for the Bluebirds, as it was the first time since 2004 that they found themselves included. Their qualification was secured after defeating Newtown in the play-off final in May. Should Haverfordwest emerge victorious in the tie against KF Shkendija, they will progress to face either B36 Tórshavn of the Faroe Islands or Paide Linnameeskond of Estonia in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa Conference League.
Pembrokeshire County Council has extended their warmest wishes to the club, with Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, expressing pride in Haverfordwest County’s achievement. He remarked, “Firstly massive congratulations to Haverfordwest County on their excellent performances last season and achieving a route back into European football. To have Haverfordwest County representing Pembrokeshire in the UEFA Europa Conference League is an immense source of pride. It will be a fantastic occasion, with the home leg at the Cardiff City Stadium, and I’m sure plenty of Bluebirds fans will be making the trip to support the team. I wish them the best of luck and hopefully, this is just the start of more European adventures.”
Chairman Rob Edwards eagerly anticipates substantial support for the Bluebirds during the home leg at the Cardiff City Stadium, which boasts a capacity of 33,000. He expressed his gratitude to Cardiff City for their assistance in making this event memorable for everyone involved. Edwards enthusiastically encouraged fans, partners, and the general public to seize the opportunity to witness the Bluebirds in action and contribute to their quest for a historic first European victory for Haverfordwest County.
Manager Tony Pennock expressed satisfaction with the team’s preparations, highlighting the addition of several new players to the squad. Pennock emphasized that they are not merely participating to make up the numbers but are determined to present themselves admirably. He stated, “They worked extremely hard last year to get into the play-offs, and then to win them was exceptional, but we are not going there just to make the numbers up. We are going to give a good account of ourselves, and that’s what we’ve been training for. It will be a fantastic experience for the lads and all the staff who are involved.”
