The Tynecastle side Extend Eight Points Clear Ahead at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the stationary the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a foul that Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Full report coming soon.
