In the words of the D:Ream song, "Things can only get better" for Thornton as they went down heavily in their first game of the season with the final scoreline in no way flattering The Gowfers.

A great pass from Michael Cruickshank sent Steven McPhee clear and he coolly rounded Ryan Linton to give Carnoustie a 12th minute lead. The same player had the ball in the net minutes later but on this occasion he was judged to have been offside.

Raymond Crichton brought down Jamie McCabe in the 35th minute with Sam Simpson converting the resultant penalty kick with ease.

In the 59th minute the Hibs were reduced to ten men when Ian Hepburn received two yellow cards within seconds. His first came when he pointed out to the ref that his assistant had awarded a throw-in to Thornton before changing his mind when the ref pointed the other way. When he continued to complain the the second yellow was flashed.

Five minutes later Simpson netted his second goal to complete the scoring on a day to forget for Craig Gilbert's men who must put this disappointment behind them as they prepare to take on the bookies' favourites for the league, Lochee United, next Saturday.

SM Electrical Services Hibs' Man of the Match: Ryan Linton

Carnoustie Panmure: Robbie, Paterson, Mair, Gourlay, Buggins, Steel, Simpson, Winter, McPhee, McCabe, Cruickshank. Subs: Martin, Conway, Urquhart, Cormack.

Thornton Hibs: Linton, Crichton, McMillan, A.Drummond, Shields, Adam, McNab, Hepburn, Ireland, Thomson, Kiristino. Subs: Coleman, White (T), Watson (T), McBride (T), Wilson (T).

Referee: Mr S.Traynor