The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Clear at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at their home ground, as it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. They now lead by eight points 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, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Murray upending the Hearts player for a penalty that the captain converted. The Celtic manager looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
