🔗 Share this article Hearts Extend Eight Points Ahead Ahead at Top Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Hoops A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine credible shot of ending Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down. Decisive Period in the Second Half A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray fouling the Hearts player for a foul that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek. Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic. Hoops' Reaction The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser. Stubborn Defence The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It's hard to ignore the buzz. Full report to follow.