Hearts Extend Eight Points Clear in Front at Top After Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Glasgow Giants

We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Hearts have a genuine credible shot of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.

Decisive Period in the After the Break

Three second-half minutes made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the stationary the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.

Hoops' Reaction

Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Tierney pass for the equaliser.

Solid Backline

The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.

• Detailed coverage to follow.