🔗 Share this article Hearts Extend 8 Points Clear Ahead at the Summit After Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes Celtic A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Hearts have a genuine credible shot of breaking Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can. Decisive Period in the Second Half A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a spot-kick that the captain converted. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting. The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic. Hoops' Reaction Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser. Stubborn Defence The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement. Detailed coverage coming soon.