🔗 Share this article Hearts Push Eight Points Ahead Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Hoops A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club possess a real serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others. Decisive Period in the After the Break A brief but pivotal phase were key, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the static the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray upending Braga for a penalty that Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him. The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic. The Visitors' Fightback Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms. Solid Backline The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the buzz. Detailed coverage coming soon.