Hearts Women bowed out of the UEFA Women’s Champions League following a 2-1 defeat against HB Køge in the second qualifying round final at Køge Stadium on Wednesday.
Kayla Jardine fired Hearts into an early lead with a sensational curled strike, but Jereko levelled for the hosts after the break before Gejl struck in the 91st minute to seal victory for Køge.
Despite the defeat in Denmark, it was a proud night for academy graduate Toni Campbell, who came off the bench in the second half to make her Champions League debut at just 16 years of age.
Andy Thomson made one change from the side that defeated FC Gintra 2-1, with Maddie Fulton replacing Erin Rennie in midfield.
Hearts made the perfect start and took the lead after just 13 minutes. Jess Husband glided through the middle before finding Dolan, who picked out Jardine on the left. The winger raced into the box before cutting inside and curling a superb effort into the top-right corner to make it 1-0.
It was Jardine’s second goal in as many games, and Hearts grew in confidence after going ahead.
Jardine almost turned provider moments later when her corner found Carly Girasoli, but the defender’s header drifted wide. Hearts continued to threaten, with Carly Johns seeing a low first-time effort comfortably claimed by Kozal.
The visitors nearly doubled their advantage before the break when Husband combined with Jardine and Dolan, whose fierce strike from the edge of the box forced Kozal into a fine save over the bar.
Half-time: HB Køge 0-1 Hearts
Køge came out strongly after the interval and eventually found their equaliser on the hour mark. Jereko showed excellent footwork inside the box before firing a powerful effort into the top-left corner to make it 1-1.
Hearts had a golden opportunity to restore their lead five minutes from time when a free-kick was not properly cleared and the ball fell to Johns. However, her effort from close range lacked the power to beat Kozal.
With extra time looming, Køge delivered the decisive blow in the 91st minute. Captain Gejl found space and fired into the top-right corner to complete the comeback and send Hearts out of the Champions League.
Andy Thomson’s side will now turn their attention to the second qualifying round of the Europa Cup, with the draw scheduled to take place on Friday, September 4.
The ties will then be played on Wednesday 23rd September and Wednesday 30th September.
FC Køge: Kozal, Schultz, Uhre, Boye Sorensen, Markvardsen, Thygesen, Geji ©, Jereko, Korhonen, Carusa, Madsen
Subs: Vingum GK, Moller GK, Jones, Wendicke, Nadim, Williams, Oskarsdottir, Hermann, Callesen, Termansen, Gutowska
Hearts: Johnstone, J.Husband, E.Husband, Girasoli, Forsyth, Fulton (Rennie, 57’), Speckmaier (Campbell, 66’), Johns, Wade ©, Dolan, Jardine
Subs: Locke, Campbell, Katie Fraser, Burn, Rennie, Smith, Halliday, Crawford, Robertson, Thomson, Anderson, Chomczuk
