Hearts Push 8 Points Ahead in Front at Top Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Hoops
History wasn't made at their home ground, since it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Full report to follow.
