Hearts Push Eight Points Clear Ahead at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts have a genuine serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Shankland converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from an early setback. The defender, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to clear a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
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