Hearts Move 8 Points Clear in Front at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Braga for a spot-kick that the captain slotted home. Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Full report to follow.
