Europe twice in three years is special for Pennock

Tony Pennock was a goalkeeper for Newport County from 2005-2008

"Two out of three ain't bad" is a fitting cliché for Haverfordwest County manager Tony Pennock.

Prior to joining the Bluebirds in 2022, Haverfordwest had only once tasted European competition, that coming back in 2004.

Pennock took up the reins left by Belgian manager Nicky Hayen and secured qualification in only his second season.

Despite 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 round.

They 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 months.

Pennock 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 will be based at Llanelli's Parc y Scarlets for their next European adventure.