Hearts Extend Eight Points Ahead at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants

History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.

Key Moments in the Second Half

A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger doubled the lead, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a foul that Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager looked dejected; challenges abound for him.

Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.

Hoops' Reaction

Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for 1-1.

Stubborn Defence

The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. One cannot overlook the excitement.

• Full report to follow.