Cercle Brugge…..2 Hearts…..0
Lawrence Shankland’s goal drought continued as he missed a vital penalty ten minutes from time in Hearts’ 2-0 loss to Cercle Brugge.
The Hearts Captain had a glorious opportunity to add to his solitary goal in 20 appearances this year, but couldn’t hit the target from 12 yards as the hosts took advantage.
In a match low on a quality it looked there for either side to win and the hosts may point to the vital timing of the their goals proving the difference.
Just five minutes before the interval Melamine Efekele’s scuffed shock sneaked it’s way past Craig Gordon after a first half where Neil Critchley’s side had a glut of chances of their own.
The best of which falling to Shankland, but he could only pull his shot wide. It’s hard to imagine the striker who netted 31 times last season wouldn’t have buried it this time last year.
When your luck is out, it’s definitely out, as the skipper found out with ten minutes remaining. After a clear handball by substitute Edgaras Utkus, the Jambos were awarded a spot kick. Up stepped Shankland but could only send his effort sailing over the bar as the baron run continued.
Any hope Hearts had of pushing on for an equaliser were dashed when Gary Magnée’s 90th minute volley deflected off Daniel Oyegoke to wrong foot Gordon in goal and seal the win.
After two win in their opening pair of European fixtures this campaign, Hearts have now fell to consecutive defeats leaving them 18th in the overall league standings.
