The Jambos Extend 8 Points Ahead Clear at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at their home ground, as it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes made the difference, following a tight first half that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Complete analysis to follow.
