Hearts Move 8 Points Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts possess a real serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the motionless the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland converted. The Celtic manager looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
