Hearts Extend Eight Points Ahead in Front at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts have a genuine strong chance of ending Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes made the difference, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. The defender, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Full report to follow.
