Penybont lose luggage, boots and all, on way to European tie

Welsh side Penybont's preparations for their Uefa Conference League qualifier in Lithuania have been disrupted after losing their luggage en route.

The lost luggage included the squad's boots, and the travelling party had to hastily buy replacements from a store in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius.

Penybont, who qualified for Europe by finishing second in last season's Cymru Premier, face Kauno Zalgiris in Thursday's first qualifying round first leg.

The Bridgend-based club side flew out of London City airport on Tuesday, and on arrival in Vilnius found that their bags had been lost in transit.

The Polish airline, Lot, have been asked to comment.

A spokesperson for the club confirmed that the luggage lost contained the team's training and playing kit.

"We found out our luggage didn't arrive around half an hour after landing after waiting at the baggage carousel.

"Only six bags made it through for the whole flight. The airline, for some reason, didn't load the luggage onto the plane."

The club's press officer Ryan March said they hope to receive their belongings on Thursday morning and added: "It's frustrating as we've been the victims of a major mistake here."

A post on the club's X account confirmed that their luggage had not arrived but that the new boots had been "broken in".

Rhys Griffiths' side are appearing in the Conference League for the second time having made their debut in the competition in 2023.

The second leg will be played at Cardiff International Sports Stadium on 17 July as their own SDM Glass Stadium does not meet Uefa criteria.

The winners will face Valur from Iceland or Estonian side Flora Tallinn in the second qualifying round.

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