UEFA Women’s Champions League Qualifying
Final Score: Gintra 1 – 2 Hearts
Kayla Jardine scored the winning goal for Hearts. [SNS]
Hearts will take on Koge or Riga for a spot in the third qualifying round of the Women’s Champions League after coming from behind to beat Gintra.
In the first half of their semi-final match in Denmark, the SWPL champions pushed strongly, with Ellen Dolan’s long shot striking the crossbar and Carly Johns’ attempt being blocked by goalkeeper Alla Herasymchuk.
However, it was Gintra who drew first blood, taking the lead just before halftime when a corner from Khrystyna Pereviznyk was headed in by defender Makeila Michele Yancey.
Early in the second half, Justina Blazevicute had a chance to double Gintra’s lead but was denied by Hearts keeper Rachael Johnstone, who made a crucial save.
This moment shifted the momentum, as Hearts soon equalized following another set piece, with Dolan powering a header from a corner.
Hearts continued to gain control, and Kayla Jardine scored the decisive goal with a clever near-post volley from Jessica Husband’s excellent cross from the right.
Koge, the hosts of all matches in Hearts’ bracket, will face Latvia’s Riga at 18:00 BST. The final is scheduled for Saturday at 11:00, with the third-place playoff taking place at 14:30.