The Tynecastle side Extend Eight Points Ahead at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, since it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club possess a real serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray fouling the Hearts player for a foul that the captain slotted home. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the ground. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Full report to follow.
