Haverfordwest County will feel they had enough quality on display to earn at least a point from their Europa Conference League first qualifying round clash, but ultimately fell to a 2-1 defeat against Maltese side Floriana in what proved a frustrating evening on the continent.

The Bluebirds now face an uphill battle in next week's return leg at Parc y Scarlets, though manager Tony Pennock will take encouragement from several aspects of his side's performance that suggest the tie remains very much alive.

Goalkeeper Stands Tall

Luc Rees was arguably Haverfordwest's standout performer, demonstrating excellent game management and positional awareness throughout. His organisation of the defensive wall for free-kicks was exemplary, whilst his willingness to release the ball quickly and turn the opposition helped his side play out from the back effectively, relieving pressure on their own defensive third.

Tactical Positives

The wing-back pairing of Watts and Abbruzzese impressed with their ability to find key spaces in the attacking third, stretching the game when Haverfordwest pressed forward whilst tucking in alongside the back three to provide defensive solidity when required. This tactical flexibility will be crucial for the return leg.

The opening goal showcased the best of Haverfordwest's attacking play, with Walters' delivery down the inside right channel finding Hawkins, whose composed touch and precise pass set up Ahumn for a calm finish. It was a move that demonstrated the quality within Pennock's squad.

Lessons to Learn

However, there were aspects of the performance that will concern the management team. The dynamic runs of Shepherd, Fawcett, and Hawkins did succeed in disrupting Floriana's defensive shape and drawing fouls, but this aggressive approach came at a cost. Several yellow cards were picked up for what appeared to be soft fouls by European standards, raising questions about whether the players need to be more streetwise in continental competition.

Pennock will undoubtedly be analysing Walters' tackle that earned a booking, questioning whether such challenges deep in midfield are necessary when playing away from home. Similarly, Alaric Jones' penalty concession - having initially won the ball - highlighted a lack of concentration that proved costly.

Defensive Concerns

The timing of Floriana's equaliser, coming so close to half-time, will be particularly galling for Pennock. The failure to track the goalscorer's run and provide adequate challenge suggests a momentary lapse in concentration that cannot be repeated at Parc y Scarlets.

As the match progressed, the home side found increasing space around Haverfordwest's penalty area. This will be a key area for improvement, with the management team needing to address how to stop such threats at source rather than allowing Floriana to build sustained pressure.

The penalty decision itself - awarded for a challenge involving hand and arm contact on an opponent's back - may have been harsh by Cymru Premier standards, but European referees tend to be stricter on such contact. It's a lesson in tactical awareness that could prove valuable going forward.

Looking Ahead

Despite the defeat, there are reasons for optimism. The heat in Malta didn't appear to affect Haverfordwest's fitness levels, though it may have impacted communication and decision-making at crucial moments. The squad's physical preparation appears sound for the return leg.

The question now is whether Pennock's side can avoid being drawn into the sort of battling encounter that disrupted their defensive composure in the first leg. With Parc y Scarlets providing slightly more familiar surroundings, there's every chance they can produce the composed, tactical performance needed to overturn the deficit.

For Welsh football, coefficient points from Cymru Premier sides remain crucial for the league's European standing. Whilst disappointment at not securing at least a draw is understandable, Haverfordwest have shown enough quality to suggest they can trouble Floriana in the return leg. The tie is far from over, and supporters can expect a side determined to right the wrongs from this first encounter when they reconvene next Thursday.

Team photo from Mickey Ellis, photos 2-5 from Dafydd Sutton

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