Hearts Extend 8 Points Ahead Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell were key, following a tight first half that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down the Hearts player for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Complete analysis to follow.
