Hearts Move 8 Points Clear in Front at Top After Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Hearts are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase were key, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger netted the second goal, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray upending the Hearts player for a foul that the captain tucked away. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Full report will be available.
