The Tynecastle side Extend 8 Points Ahead at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine credible shot of breaking Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase were key, following a tight first half that was contested closely. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the motionless the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. The defender, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Solid Backline
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Full report coming soon.