The Tynecastle side Extend 8 Points Clear at the Summit After Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club possess a real serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, following a tight first half that was contested closely. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the static Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray upending the Hearts player for a foul that Lawrence Shankland converted. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
