The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Clear at Top After Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Hearts have a genuine serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending Braga for a spot-kick that the captain tucked away. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
