The Tynecastle side Move Eight Points in Front at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real strong chance of ending Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray fouling Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.
