MATCH REPORT: HEARTS 2-2 PETROCUB.

Hearts were held to a 2-2 draw by Petrocub of Moldova in our final European league phase match. 

A draw is insufficient, according to other results, and the Jambos will be eliminated from the UEFA Conference League. Neil Critchley made four changes for the Moldovan visit, replacing Malachi Boateng, Musa Drammeh, Kenneth Vargas, and Alan Forrest with Yan Dhanda, Macaulay Tait, Lawrence Shankland, and James Wilson, respectively. Hearts began with purpose, and their first chance came within the first ten minutes, when Silviu Smalenea made a diving stop to deflect Lawrence Shankland’s dipping effort away from danger. Kye Rowles then sent a potential header agonisingly over in the 19th minute after a beautiful pass from Dhanda at the corner. Petrocub quickly scored their first goal by attacking on the counter.

After a lengthy VAR review for potential offside, the Moldovans’ opener stood after Sergiu Platica gave Petrocub the lead. It would take until the 34th minute for Hearts to create something big. Lawrence Shankland had the ball in the net, slashing home from close range after the Petrocub goalkeeper fumbled, but the referee blew the flag after a foul on the Moldovan goalkeeper in the buildup. Hearts 0–1 Petrocub After the half, the Jambos created two chances in quick succession, with Kye Rowles’ header going wide and Lawrence Shankland’s ranging shot deflecting behind. 63 minutes saw Hearts claim the equaliser, with James Wilson showing composure beyond his years to drill a low effort beyond the keeper after Shankland did a delightful job in taking down a tricky high ball and squaring.

Gordon, Halkett (Boateng 68′), Oyegoke (Boyce 84′), Shankland ©, Devlin, Rowles, Forrest (Spittal 45′), Dhanda (Vargas 77′), Wilson, Tait, Grant (68′), Penrice. Subs: Clark, Grant, McKay, Oda, Spittal, Boateng, Boyce, Sandilands, Vargas, and Salazar.

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