Hearts 2 Celtic 3

By SUN ONLINE REPORTER

HEARTS coach Graham Rix blamed referee Iain Brines for Celtic's amazing comeback win.

The Hoops, 2-0 down at half-time after being outplayed, saw Stephen McManus grab two goals in the last three minutes once Hearts defender Takis Fyssas was red-carded for fouling Shaun Maloney

Now Celtic are seven points clear of their second-placed hosts in a dramatic SPL season.

Rix said: "I've just seen a replay and I'm not sure he touched the lad. The sending-off changed everything.

"There are a few things the referee has to think about before he sends him off but I got the impression he couldn't wait to send him off.

"There was a similar situation in the first half with Bobo Balde against Deividas Cesnauskis and he didn't get a red card.

"Some you get, some you don't."

Edgaras Jankauskas's close-range opener on five minutes and Steven Pressley's back-post header from Rudi Skacel's corner two minutes later had underlined Hearts' impressive first half.

But substitute Stephen Pearson's goal on 55 minutes set up Celtic's gradual domination after the break, before McManus struck twice.

Hoops chief Gordon Strachan admitted: "The game today had everything. It was a classic.

"But you have to give a lot of credit to Hearts, I thought they were absolutely fantastic.

"I know they're physical, and I don't mean that in terms of kicking lumps out of people, but they're big, powerful lads and they've got skill as well.

"To come back against a side like that, who are 2-0 up, is absolutely fantastic. The dressing room is buzzing."
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Celtic actually wasted a glorious chance ahead of Hearts' early blitz.

Alan Thompson nutmegged Paul Hartley for a cross headed high by the unmarked Stilian Petrov.

But within 60 seconds Hearts sensed they could cut the gap to one point.

Calum Elliot sent Hartley clear down the left and the Scottish international's cut-back was touched in by Jankauskas, via Celtic's Ross Wallace.

Then skipper Pressley's powered home Hearts' second goal.

EARLY RISER ... Pressley (left) soars to give Hearts<br> a 2-0 lead after just seven minutes
EARLY RISER ... Pressley (left) soars to give Hearts
a 2-0 lead after just seven minutes against the leaders

But Celtic striker Maloney's deflected free-kick from 30 yards almost caught out Jambos keeper Craig Gordon.

And Petrov's 19th minute effort was only gathered by Gordon at the second attempt.

Skacel's low drive then forced visitors' keeper Artur Boruc into a low drive.

And in the 27th minute, the Jambos came close again, Skacel heading an Elliot cross from the right just wide.

Boruc's magnificent save then thwarted Skacel's 16-yard volley just before the break.

But right on half-time Jambos defender Robbie Neilson was lucky to escape punishment after appearing to lash out at Petrov just yards from the assistant linesman.

Celtic's revival only reached top gear once the injured Petrov was replaced by Pearson.

Within three minutes Maloney raced down the left and cut the ball back, allowing Pearson a simple knock-in.

Jambos defender Fyssas was sent off in the 76th minute, heightening Celtic's pressure.

Finally, McManus headed home Shunsuke Nakamura's right-wing free-kick from close in.

HEADING FOR GLORY ... McManus puts Celtic level
HEADING FOR GLORY ... McManus nods Celtic level

And in the first minute of injury time McManus converted another Nakamura free-kick.

Youngster Mcmanus, who insisted he wants to sign a new Hoops contract, said: "There is still a long way to go concerning the league and we won't take anything for granted.

"It was a disappointing start from us but we showed great character to come back into it.

"All credit to Hearts, they came out the blocks quickly and did really well in the first half, but we always believed we could pull something back because there is great character."

Rix, too, claims Hearts can still break the Old Firm title grip this season.

He said: "I don't think I could have asked any more of the lads.

"They worked their socks off for me, played some great stuff and I'm proud of them.

"I'm sure Celtic don't think the title race is over.

"We are going to try to go all the way as far as we can. It was a big blow today but we have to lift ourselves up."

Taken from the Sun