Penybont came from behind to hold FC Santa Coloma 1-1 in their UEFA Europa Conference League first qualifying round first leg.
Mario Maurelo’s free-kick put the Andorrans ahead in the first half before Chris Venables wrote his name into Penybont folklore by scoring their first ever European goal on their UEFA debut.
An even start saw both sides struggle to keep possession and create any openings. The Andorrans had the first meaningful shot of the game as Maurelo lashed the ball just wide, before Sergio Rodriguez tried his luck from a free-kick inside his own half with Alex Harris off his line but the Bont keeper was fortunate to see it drop wide.
The away side came close again through Eloy Gila, who benefitted from a deflected cross to volley straight into Harris’ gloves.
Bont then burst forward but Lewis Harling could only see his shot hit the side netting. This sparked a sustained period of pressure from Rhys Griffiths’ side, who kept their opponents under the cosh for their best spell of the half. A Kane Owen free-kick troubled Josep Gomes, who punched clear when a catch was easier.
They then had the best chance of the half as Lewis Clutton dispossessed Rodriguez, but his cut back was somehow squandered by Keyon Reffell just a few yards out.
On 36 minutes, Santa Coloma took the lead against the run of play as Maurelo’s free-kick slipped under Harris to trickle in. They could have doubled their lead shortly after had Gila not been thwarted by Harris at point-blank range.
Penybont started the second half stronger and came close as Owen’s free-kick was tipped over the bar by Gomes. Santa Coloma goalscorer Maurelo then squandered a golden opportunity for the visitors after being excellently played through by Virgili.
The hosts finally found an equaliser in the 66th minute as Owen’s looping free-kick was flicked on by half-time substitute Dan Jefferies to the feet of Venables who finished at his second bite at the ball to score the third European goal of his career on his Bont debut.
Almost immediately, Santa Coloma threatened to retake the lead. Gila was denied by Harris and the ball looked to be dropping into the net before Mark Little headed heroically away. Maurelo then flashed a thunderous effort narrowly over.
Despite being roared on by a 1,410 strong crowd at the Dunraven Brewery Field, Penybont could not quite find a winner on the night but they will be full confidence as they head to Andorra for the second leg next week.
The winner of the tie will meet the winner of the clash between Montenegro’s FK Sutjeska and SS Cosmos from San Marino in the second qualifying round. Thursday’s first leg ended 1-0 to Sutjeska.
