Malta defender relishing challenge at Southport after strong spell in Wales
Malta defender Luke Tabone has warned Floriana FC not to underestimate Welsh side Haverfordwest County as the two teams go head-to-head in the Conference League on Tuesday (kick-off: 7.30pm).
The Greens will open their UEFA Conference League against the Welsh side in the first qualifying round, first leg tie at the Centenary Stadium this season and are seen by many as the main favourites to reach the next round.
The Greens are under the charge of Portuguese coach Daniel Portela and in the close season they have revamped their squad, particularly their set of overseas players.
Still, they will be fancying their chances of progressing to the second qualifying round of the competition at the expense of the Welsh side who have little experience in Europe.
For Haverfordwest County this will be just their third appearance in a UEFA club competition – the first was in 2004 and the second in 2023.
But Tabone, who boasts experience in playing domestic football in both the Maltese and Welsh championships, offered insights ahead of the clash, and warned Floriana that they may well be in for a fight on their hands.
“It will be a competitive match between Floriana and Haverfordwest,” Tabone said.
“Floriana might have a slight edge in the first leg, especially with the climatic conditions, given the soaring temperatures and the high humidity, but it’s like a final played over two legs. The second game will confirm the outcome.”
Tabone said that Haverfordwest may have lost a few players but he still expects the Welsh side to come out fighting given their never-say-die attitude.
“Myself and a few others from the club’s backline have moved on, but Haverfordwest have a strong squad of players who were part of last season’s success and are still hungry for more,” Tabone said.
“Floriana are coming up against a side that doesn’t surrender. This is a big platform for all players to perform, and having shared the pitch with players from both sides, I wish them all the best. Enjoy the moment because it’s a big competition.”
Tabone has left the Welsh side to take the next step in his career by signing with Southport FC, a club competing in the National League North in the sixth-tier of English football.
The former Gżira United and Haverfordwest County centre-back described his transfer as unexpected but exciting.
“My transfer to Southport came out of the blue. First, I was looking to move back to the UK and live at home. Then I was close to relocating again within the UK,” he said.
“However, Southport came about, and after a few good chats with the manager, who has played at a very high level, and hearing his plans for this season and the future, and where the new ownership wants to take the club, I believed it was the right option for me. I’m really happy with my decision,” Tabone said.
Fans backing
Tabone joins a club coached by Neil Danns, a former Guyana international who played most of his career in the English Championship and has been on the books of clubs like Birmingham City, Crystal Palace and Leicester City.
“Southport is a big town with passionate fans, and a club with big potential to climb up the leagues.
“I wanted to be part of that journey and work under the new management staff, who both had unbelievable careers in the top-flight of English football,” Tabone said.
Over the past two seasons, Tabone played with Welsh side Haverfordwest County in the Cymru Premier (top-flight of Wales).
There, he made 62 appearances and earned praise for his performances, including several inclusions in the league’s Team of the Week.
“In the Welsh league, I’ve learnt a lot, starting with a new style of play. It’s very physical and fast.
“It taught me a lot and helped me progress. As a team, we achieved the best defence in the league last season,” he said.
The Maltese defender also praised the ambition of Haverfordwest County, whom he joined in 2023.
“Haverfordwest is a growing club. In the past two years, they have grown massively – not only on the field but also off it. That attracted me and I wanted to be part of their project.”
Tabone previously featured for Gżira United, registering 54 appearances across all domestic competitions, and also played with Nadur Youngsters.
Internationally, he has represented Malta three times, with his most recent appearance coming in a 2024 friendly against Liechtenstein.
