Hearts Push Eight Points Clear Ahead at the Summit Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club possess a real serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes were key, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the static the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Tierney pass for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
