Hearts Extend Eight Points Ahead in Front at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland converted. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.
