Haverfordwest County captain Jazz Richards has reflected on his side’s Europa Conference League victory over Shkendija.
Lee Jenkins bought the tie level on aggregate in the 89th minute before some heroics from Zac Jones in the penalty shootout secured County’s place in the next round.
Speaking after the shootout, Richards described the feeling as unbelievable, especially as not many would have predicted them to come through this tie.
“It’s unbelievable. No one expected us to achieve what we have done. The boys were fantastic over the two games.
“Shkendija are one hell of a team and they’ve proven that over the two legs as well. But we’ve shown tonight how far we can go against the best of teams.
“I think they were one of the highest seeded teams in the round so credit to them, but the boys were fantastic.”
If Bluebirds fans could pick a way to win, an 89th minute leveller and a win on penalties might be near the top of the list.
Richards admitted his side may not have played at their best, but the commitment and dedication to the cause couldn’t be argued against.
“That was our plan tonight, to just stay in the game. We had a bit of joy on the ball later on the game, so we knew if we could stop them from scoring, we would always have a chance.
“Jenks pops up with a goal in the 89th minute, but we did have a real sense that something was going to come, and thankfully it did in the end.
“In penalties, we all know what Zac is like in goal. He’s been fantastic over the last three penalty shootouts we’ve gone to and having a keeper like him helps you a lot.”
Haverfordwest’s last and only European tie came 20 years ago, where they were knocked out of the UEFA Cup by Icelandic side FH.
The result no doubt goes down as one of the biggest results in Welsh club football history, and the County captain says this group of players will go down in folklore.
“It’s 20 years ago that the club were last in Europe, so this has to be right up there.
“The boys will be known for years and years no matter what after tonight’s game, everyone will be over the moon.”
Next up for Haverfordwest is a tie against Faroese side B36 Torshavn.
Two seasons ago they knocked out TNS on penalties, but Richards says his team and their supporters will fear no one as they progress through the Conference League.
“There’s no need to fear anyone. We’ve got a lot more to show, we didn’t play great football tonight, it’s not what our football is based on.
“But we went in with a gameplan, but it’s so important that we take this confidence into the next games and see what we can do in the Faroe Islands.”
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