Hearts Extend 8 Points Clear Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, following a tight first half that was contested closely. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Murray bringing down Braga for a spot-kick that the captain converted. Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Full report coming soon.
