Latest news with #HaverfordwestCounty
4 days ago
- Sport
Golden Glove hero Zac Jones bids farewell to Haverfordwest County
Departure comes after three and a half years of history-making moments for the Bluebirds HAVERFORDWEST goalkeeper Zac Jones has left the club after three and a half standout seasons, departing as both a fan favourite and one of the finest shot-stoppers ever to wear the Bluebirds jersey. The New Zealand international, 23, made history earlier this month when his penalty heroics and commanding presence helped secure Haverfordwest County's place in Europe. The club's dramatic shootout victory at Cardiff City Stadium against Penybont secured back-to-back UEFA Conference League qualifications—an unprecedented achievement in modern club history. Jones' performances throughout the JD Cymru Premier campaign earned him the league's prestigious Golden Glove award, recognising his consistency and excellence between the posts. His calm presence and sharp reflexes made him a cornerstone of the team during a period that many supporters have called the most exciting era in recent memory. Club officials have confirmed that Jones will now move on to a full-time opportunity, with multiple sources suggesting a transfer to The New Saints (TNS) is imminent—although neither club has officially confirmed the move. Fans and teammates alike have reacted with an outpouring of admiration and thanks. One supporter described Jones as 'the best keeper we've ever had,' while others acknowledged that he would be 'hard to replace' and hailed him as a 'Haverfordwest legend.' Jones, who joined the club in 2021, played a key role not only in league fixtures but also in European competition, where his performances raised eyebrows across the domestic and international football scene. His professionalism and leadership earned him the respect of coaches and fellow players, many of whom lifted him onto their shoulders in a symbolic farewell after the club's final match of the season. Haverfordwest County AFC have yet to name a replacement but thanked Jones for his service and commitment to the club and the local community. Photo caption: Farewell hero: Zac Jones is hoisted aloft by teammates following Haverfordwest's historic European qualification win at Cardiff City Stadium (Pic: JD Cymru Leagues/Facebook).
28-05-2025
- Sport
Bluebirds confirm six-match pre-season schedule
Haverfordwest County warm up for another European campaign HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY AFC have announced their pre-season fixture list ahead of the 2025–26 season — a summer schedule that includes six matches as the Bluebirds prepare for another shot at European competition. The club will find out who they face in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Europa Conference League on Tuesday 17 June, with the draw taking place at UEFA headquarters in Geneva. Preparations on the pitch get underway just a few days earlier, with the first friendly scheduled for Saturday 14 June, when Baglan Dragons visit the Ogi Bridge Meadow. A week later, on Saturday 21 June, County will host Penrhyncoch of the JD Cymru North, followed by a midweek clash against Ynysygerwn on Tuesday 24 June — both games also to be played at the Meadow. One of the standout fixtures of the summer sees the squad travel to Belfast for a high-profile meeting with Linfield on Saturday 28 June. The Northern Irish champions are expected to provide a stern test at Windsor Park. County return to Welsh soil for a trip to face Carmarthen Town at the LHP Stadium on Tuesday 1 July, before rounding off their pre-season programme at home against Trefelin on Saturday 5 July. Kick-off times for all fixtures will be confirmed by the club later this week.
23-05-2025
- Sport
Henri Cynwyl claims podium in Wigan rally
IN the days leading up to Sunday's play-off final, Haverfordwest County manager Tony Pennock said one thing clearly: 'The boys are looking forward to it and will be up for the challenge.' He wasn't wrong. While supporters rightly celebrate a 3–1 win over Caernarfon Town and the return of European football to the club, it's worth remembering that this moment was forged not in 90 minutes, but across a season built on togetherness, hard graft, and quiet conviction. Pennock, reflecting before the final, pointed to signs he'd seen as early as last June. 'From the first session up at the Racecourse, then the beach the following week, you just saw a group that really wanted to work hard for each other,' he said. That unity has defined the Bluebirds' campaign. They achieved a club-record 51 points and finished with the best defensive record in the Cymru Premier — conceding just 26 goals in 32 games. It was a season not of flashy wins, but of collective discipline, focus, and belief. And while Haverfordwest's third-place finish guaranteed them a home final, it also meant an unusually long layoff — nearly four weeks without competitive football. For some, that might have spelled rust or lost momentum. For Pennock, it was opportunity. 'The break has given us a chance to get a few of the injured boys back fit,' he said on Friday. 'No excuses from us — the boys are ready.' Sunday's performance proved that readiness, not just in energy but in character. It was a composed display from a squad that knew what was at stake and trusted in the process that had brought them this far. Behind the scenes, there was also a challenge: keeping the squad focused and mentally prepared during the long wait. 'Whatever happened in the previous 32 games doesn't matter anymore,' Pennock said. 'It's all about Sunday.' With the job now done and European qualification secured for the second year running, attention turns to logistics, the UEFA draw, and the question of whether Haverfordwest will again have to play at Cardiff City Stadium due to ground regulations. But for now, the focus remains on a season that delivered on its promise — and on a manager who asked for belief and got it in return. Photo caption: Stronger together: Haverfordwest's season success rooted in unity and belief (Pic: HCAFC) Cover photo by Pic by Craig Thomas/FAW
BBC News
19-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Europe twice in three years is special for Pennock
"Two out of three ain't bad" is a fitting cliché for Haverfordwest County manager Tony to joining the Bluebirds in 2022, Haverfordwest had only once tasted European competition, that coming back in took up the reins left by Belgian manager Nicky Hayen and secured qualification in only his second a lengthy absence in continental competition, Haverfordwest acquitted themselves well in the Europa Conference League. They claimed a famous victory over Shkendija before losing out to B36 Torshavn in the second qualifying narrowly missed out last year, but Sunday's 3-1 play-off final win over Caernarfon Town marks a welcome return to Europe. "The club has grown so much since I have been here in three years and continues to grow and improve," Pennock told BBC Sport Wales. "There's lots we can get better at, and we'll keep striving to be better, but twice in three years is something special for all of us."We'll enjoy tonight and start working hard in a few weeks' time because we want to do well in Europe like we did the last time."Pennock, 54, spent five years as the head of Swansea City's academy, and also headed up Hull City's academy before a stint as first team coach. He arrived in Haverfordwest with big boots to fill as Hayen had taken the club from the threat of relegation to play-off contenders in a matter of has successfully built on the now Club Brugge manager's work and this season led Haverfordwest to their highest ever position in the Cymru Premier while reaching a club-record points tally of 51. "I am so fortunate to be their manager, they're a great bunch, we have a good laugh together, they work hard when they have to work hard," Pennock said."When I first came in the club had never finished in the top six in a 12 team league. "We were proud of where we finished this season in third, the highest ever for the club, least goals conceded, 15 clean sheets. "It's been a really good season and as much as we wanted to celebrate that, it would have been a tough one to celebrate if we'd lost at home today [Sunday] in a play-off final."Pennock was also quick to brush aside any links with his former club Newport County who are managerless after Nelson Jardim's departure."It's nice to get linked," he said, "my ambition is getting to Europe for Haverfordwest County and the fact that we've done it twice in three years now is massive for us all."We are better prepared going into Europe this time than we were two years ago. We learnt a lot from that experience as a club, players and staff."I'm looking forward to a trip to Geneva for the draw to see what's in store for us."Haverfordwest played their home European matches at Cardiff City Stadium last time out, but it is understood they will be based at Llanelli's Parc y Scarlets for their next European adventure.
19-05-2025
- Sport
Manager reflects on unity, discipline, and a season built on belief
IN the days leading up to Sunday's play-off final, Haverfordwest County manager Tony Pennock said one thing clearly: 'The boys are looking forward to it and will be up for the challenge.' He wasn't wrong. While supporters rightly celebrate a 3–1 win over Caernarfon Town and the return of European football to the club, it's worth remembering that this moment was forged not in 90 minutes, but across a season built on togetherness, hard graft, and quiet conviction. Pennock, reflecting before the final, pointed to signs he'd seen as early as last June. 'From the first session up at the Racecourse, then the beach the following week, you just saw a group that really wanted to work hard for each other,' he said. That unity has defined the Bluebirds' campaign. They achieved a club-record 51 points and finished with the best defensive record in the Cymru Premier — conceding just 26 goals in 32 games. It was a season not of flashy wins, but of collective discipline, focus, and belief. And while Haverfordwest's third-place finish guaranteed them a home final, it also meant an unusually long layoff — nearly four weeks without competitive football. For some, that might have spelled rust or lost momentum. For Pennock, it was opportunity. 'The break has given us a chance to get a few of the injured boys back fit,' he said on Friday. 'No excuses from us — the boys are ready.' Sunday's performance proved that readiness, not just in energy but in character. It was a composed display from a squad that knew what was at stake and trusted in the process that had brought them this far. Behind the scenes, there was also a challenge: keeping the squad focused and mentally prepared during the long wait. 'Whatever happened in the previous 32 games doesn't matter anymore,' Pennock said. 'It's all about Sunday.' With the job now done and European qualification secured for the second year running, attention turns to logistics, the UEFA draw, and the question of whether Haverfordwest will again have to play at Cardiff City Stadium due to ground regulations. But for now, the focus remains on a season that delivered on its promise — and on a manager who asked for belief and got it in return. Photo caption: Stronger together: Haverfordwest's season success rooted in unity and belief (Pic: HCAFC) Cover photo by Pic by Craig Thomas/FAW
