The Jambos Push 8 Points Clear Ahead at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Cláudio Braga for a foul that Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
