The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Clear Ahead at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending the Hearts player for a penalty that Shankland converted. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.
