HAVERFORDWEST County, is gearing up for another momentous clash in their Europa Conference League journey against B36 Torshavn tonight at 19:00 BST. The team’s path to the second qualifying round was paved by their historic maiden European victory over Shkendija last week.
Boss Tony Pennock is optimistic about the team’s chances, stating, “If we perform to the levels that we have, we can compete. We are going to have to be at our best, as in the last round, to give ourselves an opportunity. As in the first qualifying round, we are going to try to still be in the contest when we get to Cardiff for the second leg.”
This marks only the second time Haverfordwest County is participating in continental competition, with their last European appearance dating back almost two decades. Their entry into the European play-offs was secured last season when they emerged victorious in the European play-off final against Newtown.
The win over Shkendija, a professional club from North Macedonia, guarantees the Pembrokeshire part-timers a substantial financial boost. It is estimated that their European campaign will earn them around £500,000. However, should they manage to overcome Torshavn, an 11-time Faroese champion and regular European contender, that figure could rise to an impressive £800,000. Their next challenge would be a third qualifying round tie against either NK Rijeka from Croatia or Kosovan side KF Dukagjini.
For Tony Pennock, reaching the second qualifying round is an accomplishment beyond their wildest dreams. He attributes the success to the dedication of Chairman Rob Edwards, a London-based businessman, who had set the ambitious goal of reaching Europe within five years of his tenure. Pennock expresses, “The chairman has been here three years. He set himself the target of being in Europe within five years, [that was ]a bit ambitious a lot of people would have said at the start when some bloke from London turns up and takes over a little club like Haverfordwest. But he has put his money where his mouth is.”
He commends Edwards for his behind-the-scenes efforts, often unnoticed by the public, and praises the support of volunteers and staff at the club. The funds earned from their European run could have a significant impact on the future of the club, and Pennock is thrilled for everyone connected with Haverfordwest County. “Whether [the money earned on this run] secures the club for however many years now that we have got through a round, that’s massive for Rob, massive for me as a manager. I might ask him for some more money for players, I probably won’t get it. But it’s a fantastic achievement for the town, and I am really pleased for everybody connected with the club.”
Who are B36 Torshavn?
B36 Torshavn has a rich history dating back to 1936 when the club was founded in the capital of the Faroe Islands, Torshavn. Interestingly, the team’s inception came about when a group of players was prohibited from playing for another local team, HB. Fans of the Cymru Premier may remember HB from last season when they faced Newtown, with the Robins emerging victorious on penalties. This time, it’s B36 representing the white side of the city, journeying to Wales for the encounter.
Over the years, B36 has established itself as a highly successful club, clinching the Faroese Premier League title an impressive 11 times. Their most dominant period was from the late 1940s to the early 1960s. In 2015, they achieved a rare feat by retaining the league title, a milestone in the club’s history. Additionally, B36 boasts an impressive record in the Faroese Cup, having lifted the trophy on seven occasions.
The match between Haverfordwest County and B36 Torshavn will be held at the Gundadalur Stadium, which has a capacity of 5,000 spectators and serves as the home ground for both HB and B36.
Guiding B36 from the sidelines is their manager, Dan Brimsvik. Interestingly, Brimsvik had no prior experience as a professional football player. His coaching journey began with B36’s second team before he ventured to Denmark to oversee the academies at Hvidvore and Lyngby. However, in 2021, he was called back to B36 to assume the role of their permanent head coach. Under his leadership, the team achieved success, winning the Faroese Cup in his first season with a thrilling victory in the final on penalties. To date, Brimsvik has managed 70 games for the club, winning 36, drawing 14, and losing 20.
As for key players to watch on the B36 side, there is a strong spine running through the team. In goal, they have Mattias Lamhauge, who earned his place as a solid goalkeeper after signing from bitter rivals HB. Lamhauge’s outstanding form has also earned him three caps for the Faroe Islands. Impressively, he managed to keep two clean sheets in the first qualifying round, indicating his capabilities between the posts.
Supporting the defense is Isak Jonsson, standing at an imposing height of six feet three inches. Jonsson made his move to B36 from Swedish club Trelleborg at the beginning of the season and is expected to be a significant threat from set-piece situations.
Upfront, the striker position will be manned by Valerijs Sabala, a talented Latvian player with over 50 caps for his national team. Sabala has previously played for esteemed clubs such as Riga and Club Brugge before joining B36 in the Faroese capital. So far this season, he has netted six goals and provided one assist, showcasing his attacking prowess.
With the stage set for a thrilling encounter between Haverfordwest County and B36 Torshavn, football enthusiasts eagerly await the outcome as these two sides from different lands vie for victory in the Europa Conference League’s Second Qualifying Round.
How to watch the game tonight?
Teams: B36 Tórshavn vs Haverfordwest County
Date: Thursday, 27th July 2023 Time: 7:00 PM BST
Watch it on: S4C Clic, Facebook Live, or streamed live on YouTube.
