The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Ahead Clear at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at their home ground, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, after an opening period that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland converted. The Celtic manager looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to deal with a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
