The Tynecastle side Extend Eight Points Clear Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic

We did not witness at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.

Decisive Period in the Second Half

A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending Braga for a foul that Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.

Celtic's Response

The away side responded positively from an early setback. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to clear a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Tierney cutback for level terms.

Stubborn Defence

The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.

• Full report to follow.