Hearts Extend Eight Points Clear Clear at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts possess a real serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase were key, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the static the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to deal with a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Full report coming soon.
