The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Clear in Front at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, as it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts have a genuine credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray fouling the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Full report coming soon.
