The Tynecastle side Extend 8 Points Ahead at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at their home ground, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with credible shot of ending Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Full report coming soon.
