The Tynecastle side Move Eight Points in Front at Top After Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager 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.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin 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 the stadium. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Full report to follow.
