The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points in Front at Top Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at their home ground, since it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club possess a real serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland converted. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Tierney pass for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
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