The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Clear Ahead at the Summit Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. 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 scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Braga for a foul that Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. The defender, who had a difficult day, 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, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Full report coming soon.
