Haverfordwest suffer narrow first leg defeat in Malta

Haverfordwest County were beaten 2-1 by Floriana in their Uefa Conference League first qualifying round first leg despite taking the lead in Malta.

The Cymru Premier side went in front in style when Greg Walters played a measured ball down the line and Dan Hawkins' perfect cross was headed in by striker Ben Ahmun.

But Floriana levelled before the break when Federico Varela crossed for fellow Argentinian Gonzalo Gamarra to head inside the far post.

The home side claimed victory thanks to Jake Grech's penalty.

After Alaric Jones was adjudged to have fouled Lucas Lopez as they competed for a cross, Malta international Grech sent Bluebirds keeper Luc Rees the wrong way from 12 yards.

Haverfordwest, who began the tie as underdogs given that Floriana were seeded, survived a late scare when Kyle McCarthy cleared another Grech effort off the line.

But Tony Pennock's side will go into the return leg - which will be played at Parc y Scarlets on Thursday, 17 July – with considerable belief having produced a competitive display on their travels.

The winners of the tie will face Kosovan side Ballkani in the next round.