UEFA Europa Conference League 
- Qualifying Round – Second Leg

 

 

Haverfordwest  County 1 – B36 Torshavn 1
 
(after extra time finished 2-3 to B36 Torshavn)

 
Jann Benjaminsen scored a first half extra time equaliser which earned B36 Torshavn a hard fought aggregate victory over battling Haverfordwest County at the Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday evening.
 
Last week the Bluebirds narrowly lost 2-1 at the Faroe Islands, as Tony Pennock’s  were looking to win and go into unchartered European territory.
Ben Fawcett gave his side the lead in the 66^th minute which levelled matters in the tie, in the first period of extra time the visitors were awarded a penalty which Jann Benjaminsen comprehensively finished to secure their passage into the next round.
 
It’s been a terrific European journey for the Haverfordwest County’s part timers who have created history with one win and a narrow defeat.
 
It’s wetted the appetite for the faithful Bluebirds fans who have enjoyed an epic end and start of season which will go down as the most successful side in the club’s history,
 
The opening 20 minutes was extremely cagey as neither side had a clear sight at goal, the Bluebirds’ first goal attempt at goal was a speculative edge of the area volley by midfielder Kai Whitmore which sailed over the crossbar.
 
In the 35^th minute skipper Jazz Richards picked up a leg injury and was replaced by Jack Wilson, a minute later Rhys Abbruzzese cleared a goal line effort from inside the box, which winded him.
 
Five minutes before the interval an excellent goal scoring opportunity fell for the Bluebirds, Wilson’s cross from the right was met by Lee Jenkins far post header across the face of goal was glanced wide by a close range Taylor-Crossdale header.
 
Despite it being goalless at half time, the Bluebirds came out in positive mood at the start of the second half as Ben Fawcett flashed a wicked shot from the angle wide of the target.
 
Minutes later Jann Benjaminsen fired a direct free kick straight into the grateful hands of Bluebirds’ goalkeeper Zac Jones.
 
In the 66^th minute the Bluebirds finally broke the deadlock  when Dan Hawkins’ long range free kick  in the box was nodded by Ricky Watts into the path of Fawcett who gleefully struck the ball into the net to level the tie.
 
Ten minutes from full time the Bluebirds were given a scare as Hannes Agnarsson cut in from the left and struck a wicked curling effort just wide of Jones’ right hand post.
 
In injury time substitute Sabala flashed a volley high and wide as the time went into extra time.
 
In the 98^th minute B36 Torshavn were awarded a penalty for what looked like a harsh handball in the box, up stepped Jann Benjaminsen who confidently fired into the top corner to give his side a 3-2 aggregate lead which they held on to for the remainder.
 
The Bluebirds fought to the bitter end as Borg played in Fawcett, but the striker lost control with a heavy touch, Daniel Hawkins struck a wicked curling effort which tested keeper Mathias Lamhauge.
 
 
Haverfordwest County: Zac Jones, Jazz Richards (Captain) (35’ , Jack Wilson), Rhys Abbruzzese, Ricky Watts, Kai Whitmore, Ben Fawcett, Daniel Hawkins, Martell Taylor-Crossdale, Lee Jenkins, Tyrese Owen (102’ Harri John), Oscar Borg.
Substitutes: Ifan Knott, John Chesters, Rio Dyer, Lucas Davies, Kayden Williams-Lowe, Iori Humphreys, Seth Woodhouse, Daniel John, Callum Shirt, Luc Owen.
 
B36 Torshavn: Mathias Lamhauge, Jann Benjaminsen, Isak Jonsson, Sonni Nattestad (90’ Andreas Eriksen), Eli Neilsen (Captain) (105’ Eriendur Magnusson), Bjarki Nielsen, Taufee Skandari, Hannes Agnarsson, Andrass Johansen, Simun Solheim, Michal Przybyiski (71’ Valerijs Sabala).
Substitutes: Silas Eyosteinsson, Hans Jorgensen, Benjamin Heinsen, Mattias Hellisdal, Emil Weihe Joensen, Aron Knudsen.
 
Referee: Christian-Petru Ciochirca (AUT).
Assistants: Maximillian Obritzberger & Maximillan Weiss (AUT)
Fourth Official: Alexander Harkam (AUT).
 
Attendance: 2,119.