The Jambos Move 8 Points Ahead Ahead at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts possess a real serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage 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 the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray upending the Hearts player for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Full report will be available.
