Hearts Extend Eight Points Ahead Clear at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Glasgow Giants

We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.

Decisive Period in the Latter Period

A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before blasting a strike past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down the Hearts player for a foul that the captain converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.

Hoops' Reaction

Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.

Hearts' Defensive Resilience

The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.

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