The Tynecastle side Move Eight Points Ahead Ahead at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before blasting a strike past the stationary the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a penalty that Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to clear a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Full report to follow.
