The Jambos Push Eight Points Ahead Ahead at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, with it being far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Cláudio Braga for a foul that the captain converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; 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 Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Full report will be available.
