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Hearts exited the Conference League after a disappointing 2-2 draw at home against Moldovan side Petrocub cost them the chance to advance to the play-off round.
A victory over a Petrocub team who had picked up just one point from their previous five matches 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.
“We only have ourselves to blame.”
Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland offers a critical reflection on their defeat to Petrocub, which marked their exit from Europe. 🗣️
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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 19, 2024
But after coming back from 1-0 down at half-time to lead 2-1 thanks to goals from teenager James Wilson and substitute Blair Spittal, an 83rd-minute penalty from Victor Mudrac meant the Jambos finished unable to overcome the group stage. despite winning their first two games.
“We only have ourselves to blame”
Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland He told TNT Sports: “We only have ourselves to blame.
“They were solid defensively and difficult to bring down. The boys showed good character at times because the environment became hostile.
From that (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 hasn’t been like that all season, it’s been disappointing.”
Leaders Chelsea are the only British team still in the competition, as Welsh side The New Saints were also eliminated, losing 3-2 in Slovenia against Celje. Craig Harrison’s team leaves with five defeats in six games.
Northern Ireland’s Larne were already eliminated before the final night of the league stage, but their first European campaign ended with a historic victory, beating Belgian side Genk 1-0 at Windsor Park.
