Hearts Extend Eight Points Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at their home ground, as it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Hearts possess a real serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before blasting a strike past the static the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Braga for a penalty that the captain converted. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from an early setback. The defender, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Full report to follow.
