The Tynecastle side Extend Eight Points Clear Ahead at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real credible shot of ending Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a foul that the captain converted. Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Full report to follow.
