HAVERFORDWEST County etched their names in football folklore with a historic triumph over KF Shkendija from North Macedonia in the Europa Conference League. The second leg of the qualifier, held at Cardiff City Stadium, witnessed a dramatic showdown that culminated in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout, sending fans into euphoria and securing a place for Haverfordwest County in the second qualifying round.
From the kickoff, it was evident that Haverfordwest County meant business. Being one goal down in the aggregate, they were determined to mount a spirited comeback. The team displayed incredible urgency, and within minutes, Kai Whitmore’s quick feet almost carved a path into the box, only to be denied by a crucial block from a Shkendija defender. A minute later, Jazz Richards delivered a tantalising cross that narrowly eluded the head of Martell Taylor-Crossdale.
As the game unfolded, Haverfordwest County continued to assert their dominance, much to the frustration of Shkendija manager Adrijan Nuhiji. Ben Fawcett’s thunderous shot had the North Macedonian side on edge, but they managed to weather the storm in the first half-hour.
Despite being under immense pressure, Haverfordwest’s defense demonstrated remarkable composure and organization, thwarting Shkendija’s attempts to regain control of the match. The North Macedonian side gradually found their footing, but their hopes of equalizing were dashed just before halftime when Eraldo Cinari squandered a golden one-on-one opportunity with goalkeeper Zac Jones.
Entering the second half, both teams struggled to find their rhythm, leading to a scrappier affair. Half-chances presented themselves at either end, with Mevlan Adili’s header for Shkendija sailing just wide of the post, and a Haverfordwest corner causing a brief pinball chaos in the box before Shkendija managed to clear their lines.
As the game progressed, the midfield became a battleground, with neither side willing to give an inch. The prospect of a draw loomed large until Haverfordwest County decided to raise their game. Jack Wilson’s curling free-kick looked destined for the top corner, but a brilliant save from Shkendija’s Davor Taleski denied County the lead. However, just one minute from time, there was no stopping County’s surge.
The decisive moment arrived when Lee Jenkins seized a first-time opportunity inside the box. His shot deflected into the net, and jubilation erupted among County fans. With the aggregate score now level, the match headed into extra time.
As extra time commenced, Shkendija showed their determination not to let the match be decided by penalties. They pressed relentlessly for a winning goal, with Metodi Maksimov, Cinari, and Krasniqi all coming close. Yet, Zac Jones stood tall and made several crucial saves, denying Shkendija’s attempts to clinch victory.
With both teams still deadlocked after extra time, the tension was palpable as the game went into a penalty shootout. The shootout began on a difficult note for County when Daniel Hawkins missed his spot-kick. However, Haverfordwest County showed incredible composure, scoring their next three penalties with precision.
Shkendija, on the other hand, faltered under pressure, missing two of their first four penalties, leaving County on the cusp of glory. The opportunity to secure victory rested on Ben Fawcett’s shoulders, but his shot couldn’t find the mark, prolonging the drama.
However, Haverfordwest County possessed a secret weapon in their goalkeeper, Zac Jones. With the scoreline delicately poised, Jones exhibited nerves of steel and pulled off an awe-inspiring save, sealing an extraordinary victory for Haverfordwest County and sending their fans into rapturous celebration.
This historic win not only secured a place for Haverfordwest County in the next qualifying round, where they will face B36 Torshavn from the Faroe Islands, but also marked an unforgettable chapter in the club’s history. The players’ determination, teamwork, and Zac Jones’s heroics have immortalised this moment in the annals of Welsh football, making it a night that will be cherished for generations to come.
Haverfordwest County
Zac Jones (GK), Ricky Watts (Lucas Davies 116’), Lee Jenkins, Oscar Borg (Harri John 106’), Jazz Richards ©, Kai Whitmore, Tyrese Owen (Jack Wilson 78’), Rhys Abbruzzese, Ben Fawcett, Martell Taylor-Crossdale (Iori Humphreys 82’), Daniel Hawkins
Unused Subs: Ifan Knott, John Chesters, Callum Shirt
Goals: Lee Jenkins (89’)
Yellows: Ben Fawcett (45’), Kai Whitmore (58’), Tyrese Owen (62’), Daniel Hawkins (79’)
KF Shkendija
Davor Taleski (GK), Ardian Limani, Mevlan Adili, Klisman Cake, Bashkim Velija, Kamer Qaka, Ennur Totre © (Florent Ramadani 104’), Eraldo Cinari, Endrit Krasniqi, Adenis Shala (Metodi Maksimov 80’), Almir Aganspahic (Dashmir Elezi 74’)
Unused Subs: Kostadin Zahov, Ferat Ramani, Almir Redjepi, Bruno Dita, Anes Meliqi, Lorik Kaba, Amir Nuhija
Yellows: Eraldo Cinari (60’), Endrit Krasniqi (71’)
Penalties
Haverfordwest County: Daniel Hawkins (Missed), Jazz Richards (Scored), Jack Wilson (Scored), Kai Whitmore (Scored), Ben Fawcett (Missed)
Shkendija: Endrit Krasniqi (Scored), Erald Cinari (Missed), Mevlan Adili (Missed), Kamer Qaka (Scored), Florent Ramadani (Missed)
HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY WIN 3-2 ON PENALTIES
Featured Image: Perry Dobbins
