The Conference Championship round-up: Hearts and TNS away

Hearts crashed out of the Conference League after a disappointing 2-2 draw at home to Moldovan minnows Petrocub cost them the chance to progress to the play-off round.

A win over a Petrocub team that had only taken one point from their previous five league games would have been enough to keep Neil Critchley’s team in the top 24 and take them into Friday’s play-off.

“We only have ourselves to blame.”

Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland gives a critical reflection on their defeat to Petrocub which saw them exit from Europe. 🗣️

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But after fighting back from 1-0 down at half-time to lead 2-1 through goals from youngster James Wilson and substitute Blair Spittal, a penalty in the 83rd minute by Victor Mudrac meant that Jambos ended up falling short. from going through the group stage. despite winning their first two games.

‘Only ourselves to blame’

Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland he told TNT Sports: “We only have ourselves to blame.

“They were solid in defense and difficult to break down. The boys showed good character at times because it got hostile there.

From that (winning) position we should really win the game. I didn’t feel the boys didn’t try or work hard, it was just a lack of quality.

“He wasn’t there all season, it was disappointing.”

The table Chelsea are the only English side still in the competition as also the Welsh team The New Saints lost 3-2 in Slovenia against Celje. Craig Harrison’s team leaves with five defeats from six games.

Northern Ireland’s Larne were already out before the final night of the league stage – but their first European campaign ended with a historic victory, as they beat Belgian side Genk 1-0 at Windsor Park .