Hearts Extend 8 Points Clear at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Hearts have a genuine serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the static the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling the Hearts player for a spot-kick that the captain converted. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
