🔗 Share this article Hearts Move 8 Points Clear Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Hoops We did not witness at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can. Decisive Period in the Second Half A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down 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) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition. Celtic's Response Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1. Stubborn Defence The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz. Detailed coverage coming soon.