The Jambos Push Eight Points Clear Clear at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants

A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts possess a real credible shot of ending Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.

Turning Point in the Second Half

A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.

Hoops' Reaction

Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.

Solid Backline

The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.

• Full report coming soon.