Hearts bowed out of the Conference League after a disappointing 2-2 home draw with Moldova minnows Petrokop, costing them the chance to progress to the play-off round.
The victory over Petrokop, who had only earned one point from their previous five matches in the tournament, was enough to keep Neil Critchley's team in the top 24 and into the play-off draw on Friday.
“Only ourselves to blame.”
Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland gives a critical insight into their loss to Petrokop which saw them crash out of Europe. 🗣️
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But after they came from 1-0 down at half-time to go 2-1 ahead through goals from youngster James Wilson and substitute Blair Spittal, Viktor Modrak's 83rd-minute penalty meant the Jumbos ended up failing to progress through the group stage. Although he won the first two matches.
“We only have ourselves to blame”
Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland “We only blame ourselves,” he told TNT Sports.
They were defensively strong and difficult to break down. The boys showed good character at times because things got aggressive there.
From this position (the winner) we should really win the game. I didn't feel like the boys 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.”
Chelsea are the only British team still in the competition, with Welsh side New Saints also eliminated, after losing 3-2 in Slovenia to Celje. Coach Craig Harrison's team emerged with five defeats from six matches.
Northern Irish side Larne were already knocked out heading into the final night of the league stage – but their first European campaign ended with a historic win, beating Belgian side Genk 1-0 at Windsor Park.
