Hearts Extend Eight Points Clear at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at their home ground, with it being far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real strong chance of ending Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray upending Braga for a foul that Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
