Hearts Extend 8 Points Clear Clear at the Summit After Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at their home ground, with it being far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real credible shot of ending Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase were key, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the static the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Full report to follow.
