UEFA Europa Conference League  - Qualifying Round – First Leg

 
 

KF Shkëndija 1 – Haverfordwest  County 0

 

Haverfordwest County slipped to a slender commendable defeat against North Macedonian outfit KF Shkendija at the impressive Tose Proeski Arena in the capital Skopje, now the Bluebirds will relish the return leg which will be staged at the Cardiff City Stadium in seven days’ time.
 
This is only the second time in Haverfordwest County’s club  history that they have played in European competition, the last time was 19 years ago.
 
It’s been a busy summer for the Bluebirds who have released a number of last season’s squad and freshened things up with seven new quality signings as manager Tony Pennock looks to strengthen for the forthcoming Welsh Premier League campaign which is just around the corner
 
In come seven new signings, goalkeeper Ifan Knott, Kai Whitmore, Tyrese Owen, Rio Dyer, Martell Taylor-Crossdale, Kayden Williams-Lowe and the latest addition is Luke Tabone.

KF Shkëndija are a professional team who finished third in their domestic league last season and have been European regulars, back in 2019-19 season they defeated The New Saints 5-4 on aggregate,
 
As expected KF Shkëndija dominated the first half as they had the lion’s share of possession and territory, but full credit to Tony Pennock’s Bluebirds stayed compact and defended heroically making life difficult for the hosts.
 
On the 30 minute mark, Jack Wilson who picked up a knock was replaced by the vastly experienced Ricky Watts in midfield.
 
The best of the chances fell to North Macedonia outfit as Shala saw his edge of the area shot deflected wide, also Elezi latched onto a through ball but his shot from a tight angle didn’t trouble Jones.
 
The hosts finally broke the deadlock two minutes after the interval as Adenis Shala found the back of Zac Jones’ net.
 
In the 79^th minute Pennock made his second change of the evening as striker Martell Taylor-Crossdale was replaced by Rio Dyer.
 
Six minutes from full time, Cinari 25 yard free kick sailed over Jones’ crossbar, and there were no further scares.
 
Despite defeat this was a heroic effort from the Bluebirds who now have a great chance of turning the North Macedonian outfit over in the return leg next week.
 
KF Shkëndija: Taleski, Limani, Adili, Cake, Rexhepi, Totre, Qaka, Krasniqi, Cinari, Elezi, Shala.
Substitutes: Zahov, Ramani, Velija, Meljich, Nuhija, Ramadani, Maksimov, Aganspahic, Kaba.
 
Haverfordwest County: Zac Jones, Oscar Borg, Lee Jenkins, Jazz Richards (Captain), Rhys Abbruzzesse, Tyrese Owen, Kai Whitmore, Jack Wilson, Daniel Hawkins, Martell Taylor-Crossdale, Ben Fawcett.
Substitutes: Ricky Watts, Ifan Knott, John Chesters, Lucas Davies, Harri John, Rio Dyer, Iori Humphries, Callum Shirt.