Haverfordwest County’s European dream ended in chaos — and a heartfelt apology from manager Tony Pennock.
The Bluebirds boss admitted he lost control after being sent off during his side’s 3-2 home defeat to Floriana, which saw the Cymru Premier club crash out of the UEFA Conference League, 5-3 on aggregate.
“My head goes,” said Pennock, who also saw two of his own players shown red cards at Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli.
“There was a lot going on and I let it get the better of me. At my age I should know better so I apologise to the boys and the club for that one.”
County - trailing 2-1 from the first leg to their Maltese opponents - had started brilliantly, with early goals from Greg Walters and Ben Ahmun turning the tie in their favour.
READ MORE: Haverfordwest County vs. Floriana 2-3
But a deflected reply from Carlo Zammit Lonardelli, followed by a contentious penalty and red card for Alaric Jones, handed momentum back to the Maltese side.
Jake Grech calmly converted the spot-kick, just as he had in the first leg, to give Floriana the lead on aggregate before half-time.
Haverfordwest, now down to 10 men, continued to push, but Pennock’s dismissal early in the second half - for kicking the ball away after it rolled into his technical area - added to the turmoil.
Charles M’Mombwa made it 3-2 on the night, and Rhys Abbruzzese’s stoppage-time red card reduced the hosts to nine.
READ MORE: Tony’s reaction
Pennock hit out at the officiating, echoing frustration from the first leg in Malta.
“I have seen the penalty decision back once. It's not an elbow. He has got his arm out but the big centre-forward was on the floor more times than either goalkeeper.
“It was the same out in Malta.”
“He has gone down and the ref has gone with him. A penalty and a second yellow — it's a tough one.”
Despite the disappointment, Pennock praised his team’s spirit.
“The boys started brilliantly. The players are really disappointed because it was a really good opportunity and unfortunately it's passed us by.”
READ MORE: Rhys is shown a second yellow card
