Hearts Move 8 Points Clear Clear at Top Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants

We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.

Decisive Period in the After the Break

A crucial three-minute spell were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a foul that Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.

The Visitors' Fightback

Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.

Stubborn Defence

The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.

• Detailed coverage coming soon.