Hearts Push Eight Points Clear at the Summit After Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. 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.
- Full report will be available.
