The Jambos Push Eight Points Ahead Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Full report coming soon.
