The Jambos Move Eight Points Clear Clear at Top After Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Murray fouling Braga for a spot-kick that the captain converted. Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Full report to follow.
