Hearts Push 8 Points Ahead at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at their home ground, with it being far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with strong chance of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a penalty that the captain slotted home. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the ground. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Full report coming soon.
