The Jambos Extend 8 Points Clear at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club possess a real serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead 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, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a foul that the captain converted. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Full report coming soon.
