Penybont's wait for a first win in Europe goes on as an early goal and a missed penalty condemned them to a first-leg defeat in their Uefa Conference League first qualifying round tie with Andorra's FC Santa Coloma.

The optimism and excitement of the Cymru Premier's play-off winners' chance to impress at Cardiff City Stadium was punctured after just 16 minutes when Andorra striker Guillaume Lopez headed in off the post.

And despite Penybont's significant squad strengthening over the summer for this third campaign in Europe, they passed up the chance to level when new signing Ryan Hill saw his 52nd-minute penalty saved.

It means Rhys Griffiths' side have a mountain to climb when they head to the Pyrenees for the away leg on Thursday, 16 July.

The reward, should they overcome a one-goal deficit, is the chance to face former European Cup Winners' Cup finalists Rapid Vienna later this month.

And there were enough signs in Cardiff to suggest they are capable of a comeback in Andorra and a chance of avenging defeat to the same side in this competition three years ago.

What they cannot afford is the sluggish start that handed their visitors the advantage, a sweeping move ending when the ball was flicked home off the upright by a eight-cap international Lopez, whose CV includes scoring against Serbia last season.

Penybont, boosted by new investment, included six new signings but took time to settle with the woodwork shaved twice more by the Andorrans.

But the Welsh side – playing in Cardiff because their Dragonbet Stadium home does not meet Uefa criteria – slowly found momentum with former Aldershot captain Hill and ex-Newport County midfielder Nathan Wood key.

They looked to have found their breakthrough soon after the interval when Hill was felled just outside the box after a neat move, before Max Melbourne's shot from the resulting free-kick was handled in the area.

Though Hill's effort was saved by Andre Alcaraz, the pressure from Penybont - with another new signing, Eduino Vaz, looking lively - suggested a leveller would soon come.

Yet, in a tie that had no little needle, the Cymru Premier side could not find the composure to create the opening needed.

They must hope they can do more when they travel to the Estadi Nacional next week, still searching for that maiden European win.