Hearts Extend 8 Points Ahead in Front at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that the captain converted. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Full report will be available.