Hearts Push 8 Points Ahead in Front at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with credible shot of breaking Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Murray fouling Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
