The Jambos Extend Eight Points Clear Ahead at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Braga for a spot-kick that the captain slotted home. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Full report to follow.
