The Jambos Extend 8 Points Ahead at Top After Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club possess a real credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the static the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Complete analysis to follow.
