Conference League overview: Hearts and TNS out

Hearts were relegated from the Conference League after a disappointing 2-2 draw at home to Moldovan minnows Petrocuba that cost them the chance to progress to the play-off round.

Victory over a Petrocuba side who have taken just one point from their previous five matches in the tournament would be 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 gives a critical review of their defeat to Petrocub that saw them exit Europe. 🗣️

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But after fighting back from 1-0 down at half-time to take a 2-1 lead through goals from teenager James Wilson and substitute Blair Spittal, Victor Mudrac’s 83rd-minute penalty meant the Jambos failed to progress past the group stage despite winning their opening two matches.

‘It’s only our fault’

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

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

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

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

Top-of-the-table Chelsea are the only British side still in the competition as Welsh side The New Saints were also eliminated, losing 3-2 in Slovenia to Celje. Craig Harrison’s team is relegated with five defeats from six games.

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