The Jambos Push 8 Points Ahead at the Summit Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at their home ground, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Hearts have a genuine strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Full report to follow.
