Hearts Move 8 Points in Front at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Hearts are at least in with credible shot of breaking Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray bringing down Braga for a foul that the captain slotted home. The Celtic manager looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.
Solid Backline
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Full report to follow.