The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points in Front at the Summit Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at their home ground, as it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Full report coming soon.
