Hearts Push Eight Points Clear in Front at the Summit Following Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes were key, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Tierney pass for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Full report coming soon.
