Hearts Push 8 Points Ahead at Top After Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, as it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Hearts have a genuine serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger doubled the lead, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that the captain converted. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Full report will be available.
