The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Ahead Ahead at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine credible shot of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland tucked away. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Full report coming soon.
