Hearts Move Eight Points Clear Clear at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, with it being far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
