The Jambos Push Eight Points Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine credible shot of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a penalty that Shankland slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to remove a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Full report coming soon.
