Hearts Extend Eight Points Clear at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made 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 breaking Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the motionless the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender upending the Hearts player for a penalty that Shankland converted. Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from an early setback. The defender, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Full report to follow.
