Hearts Extend 8 Points Clear Clear at Top Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, with it being far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Braga for a penalty that Shankland converted. The Celtic manager looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the ground. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Full report to follow.
