The Jambos Extend 8 Points Ahead Ahead at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants

We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts are at least in with credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long 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.

Turning Point in the After the Break

A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland slotted home. Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.

Celtic's Response

Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.

Hearts' Defensive Resilience

The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.

• Full report to follow.