Thornton Hibs v Tweedmouth Rangers

Match reporter: JOHN LAING

“Well – that would get fitba stopped!” was one spectator's opinion as he left Memorial Park following this game. And who could blame him for this outburst because, make no mistake, this was definitely one to forget.

Indeed the only thing in this reporter's notebook at half-time was a low strike from Sam Straughan on the half-hour mark that struck the outside of the post.

The visitors were able to use the strong wind behind their backs to better effect in the second-half with Ross Aitchison bringing out a good save from Craig Doctor in the 53rd minute.

The first real goal-scoring opportunity for Thornton came in the 68th minute when following clever play by substitute, Ross Hain, he set up John Soutar whose curling drive came close to taking the paint off the outside of the upright.

Rhys Dixon then came mighty close for the visitors with an effort that struck the bar but in the 77th minute it was Garry Thomson who finally broke the deadlock from close range with Tweedmouth defenders appealing in vain for offside.

Keir Allan breathed a sigh of relief shortly after when his attempt at clearing Dixon's free-kick flashed just inches over the bar.

Two minutes into added time, Robbie Hall went on a strong run before playing the ball to Jamie McNeish and his low cross picked out Thomson to seal the victory for Thornton.

So, not the bonniest of games but the three points – with the added bonus of a clean sheet - were a couple of positives to take from the day for the Hibs.

The Station Hotel/ Copland Glazing Hibs' Man of the Match: Garry Thomson

Thornton Hibs: Doctor, Rodger, McMillan, Drummond, Cunningham, Westwaters, McNeish, Coleman, Healy, Thomson, Soutar. Subs: Hall, Hain, Allan, Adam, McCallion, Laird, Sutherland.

Tweedmouth Rangers: Frampton, Dixon, E.Smith, Heath, Sabatini, Bell, Bloomfield, Howden, Lightfoot, Aitchison, Straughan. Subs: B.Smith, Temple, Baverstock, Robertson, Gibson, Adebayo, Dunn.

Referee: Mr K.Gibson

Match statistics:
Attempts at goal - TH 7 TR 8
Attempts on target - TH 4 TR 3
Corners - TH 2 TR 6
Offside - TH 2 TR 0
Fouls committed - TH 13 TR 9
Yellow Cards - TH 3 TR 1
Red Cards - TH 0 TR 0

Attendance: 106

Statto's Corner:
* The Hibs' incredible run of consecutive League wins stretched out to eleven games, making this the most under Craig Gilbert's tenure
* Goalkeeper Craig Doctor kept his fourth clean sheet of the season in his eighth appearance, playing his part as the Hibs recorded their 10th League clean sheet of the season (7 at Memorial Park)
* The excellent home defensive record continued with the Hibs still not having conceded a goal in the first-half of any of the 10 League games at Memorial Park this season
* The first goal for Garry Thomson was his 100th at Memorial Park. It also took him onto 20 for the season (the seventh time he has reached or exceeded this tally in a season)