Hearts Push 8 Points Clear Ahead at Top After Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops

A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.

Key Moments in the Second Half

A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, after an opening period that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a penalty that the captain slotted home. The Celtic manager looked dejected; 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

The away side responded positively from an early setback. Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.

Solid Backline

The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.

• Detailed coverage coming soon.