The Jambos Push Eight Points Ahead Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real strong chance of ending Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a penalty that the captain tucked away. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
