The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Clear in Front at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell were key, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Braga for a penalty that the captain converted. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. The defender, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the ground. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Full report to follow.
