HAVERFORDWEST County AFC put on another superb performance before an extra-time penalty saw B36 Torshavn edge through to the third qualifying round of the Uefa Europa Conference League 3-2 on aggregate.

Despite a 2-1 defeat in the Faroe Islands the previous week, the Bluebirds were hoping to repeat their performance in the previous round, when they overturned a 1-0 first-leg defeat against North Macedonia's Shkendija to win on penalties.

The Cymru Premier side headed into the game against B36 Torshavn at the Cardiff City Stadium on the back of a much-improved second half out in the Faroe Islands, and Pembrokeshire's own Ben Fawcett squared the tie in the return leg.

The forward, however, was harshly penalised in the 100th minute and Benjaminsen held his nerve to convert from the spot to send Torshavn through to play Croation side HNK Rijeka in the third qualifying round of the competition.

Former Wales international captain Jazz Richards, who had injury doubts after the away leg, had started in the back three for Haverfordwest, but he was taken off just after half an hour in a blow for Tony Pennock's side.

Both teams made a bright start, with the excellent support from Haverfordwest in good voice, and home keeper Zac Jones was first called into action to deny striker Hannes Agnarsson in the first meaningful chance.

Further chances from the visitors saw Michal Przybylski head across goal, and Rhys Abbruzzese bravely heaed head an Agnarsson piledriver off the line, but Haverfordwest held firm and battled their their way into the game.

Despite now being without Richards, the Bluebirds pressed on with Kai Whitmore firing an effort over the bar, and Martell Taylor-Crossdale - who scored in the away leg -  saw his header go wide of the taget.

Western Telegraph: Ben Fawcett celebrates scoring.Ben Fawcett celebrates scoring. (Image: PA)

It was a positive start to the second half from Haverfordwet, but B36 left-back Benjaminsen tested Jones and looked content to hold onto their one-goal advantage from the first leg until Haverfordwest made their breakthrough.

With 66 minutes on the clock, Tyrese Owen headed a free kick from Dan Hawkins back across goal and local lad Fawcett was on hand at the back post to sweep the ball into the net to the delight of the brilliant Haverfordwest supporters.

Bjarki Nielsen fired wide for Torshavn, but neither team were able to break the deadlock in the final 25 minutes and so the 2-2 aggregate score meant extra time and the possibility of yet another penalty shoot-out.

Disaster stuck on 100 minutes when goalscorer Fawcett who was ruled to have handled the ball in the penalty area, and Benjaminsen sent Jones the wrong way to bring the night’s score to 1-1 and the aggregate score to 3-2 to B36.

Western Telegraph: Haverfordwest County players and fans were delighted with Ben Fawcett's goal.Haverfordwest County players and fans were delighted with Ben Fawcett's goal. (Image: PA)

Kai Whitmore – who was literally everywhere - almost equalised in the second period of extra time, but Mathias Lamhauge saved his fierce shot at full stretch and the full-timers from the Faroe Islands held on for a narrow win.

It was the end of the road for Haverfordwest - but they will take heart from a superb European campaign.