Hearts Extend Eight Points Clear at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes were key, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
