Hearts Move 8 Points Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with strong chance of breaking Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before blasting a strike past the static the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a penalty that the captain slotted home. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Tierney pass for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
