Hearts Extend Eight Points Clear at Top After Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops
History wasn't made at their home ground, as it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with strong chance of breaking Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, following a tight first half that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to clear a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
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 stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Full report to follow.
