The Jambos Push 8 Points Clear in Front at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Hoops
History wasn't made at their home ground, with it being far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray fouling the Hearts player for a penalty that Shankland converted. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, 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, skipper McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Full report coming soon.
