The Tynecastle side Extend Eight Points Ahead Ahead at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with strong chance of ending Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase were key, following a tight first half that was contested closely. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before blasting a strike past the static the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a penalty that the captain converted. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. One cannot overlook the excitement.
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