Hearts were eliminated from the Conference League after a disappointing 2-2 draw at home to Moldovan minnows Petrocub cost them a chance of reaching the play-offs.
A win over a Petrocub side that had picked up just one point from their last five games in the tournament would have been enough to keep Neil Critchley’s side in the top 24 and take them into Friday’s play-off draw .
“It’s only our fault.”
Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland reflects critically on the loss to Petrocub that saw them exit Europe. 🗣️
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But after fighting back from a 1-0 deficit at half-time to make it 2-1 with goals from teenager James Wilson and substitute Blair Spittal, a Victor Mudrac penalty in the 83rd minute meant the Jambos did not progress through the group stage despite them won their first two games.
“It’s only our fault”
Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland told TNT Sports: “It’s our own fault.
“They were solid defensively and hard to break down. The boys showed good character at times because it was getting hostile out there.
From this (winning) position we should really win the game. I didn’t feel like the guys weren’t trying or working hard, it was just a lack of quality.
“It wasn’t there all season, it was disappointing.”
Leaders Chelsea are the only British team still in the competition, as Welsh side The New Saints were also eliminated, losing 3-2 to Celje in Slovenia. Craig Harrison’s team is eliminated with five defeats from six games.
Northern Ireland’s Larne were already eliminated before the league’s final night – but their first European campaign ended with a historic win as they beat Belgian side Genk 1-0 at Windsor Park.
