On the hottest day of the season the Hibs chose to turn in a performance that could not even be described as lukewarm. True the pitch was bone hard with the ball taking some wicked bounces but it didn't appear to upset Armadale who took inspiration from their captain, Colin Leiper, as he never missed a tackle or header all afternoon.

The only real thing of note to report from a dull as ditch water first-half came in the 21st minute when Andy Warrender raced from his line to deny Colin Allison.

There was also the spectacle of the heavily under the influence 'supporter' that Armadale committee members (without success) attempted to eject from the ground because as far as entertainment goes, this far outshone happenings on the pitch!

Darren Gribben was proving to be a difficult opponent in the early minutes of the second-half, indeed only a timely challenge from Matthew Robertson prevented him from netting a certain goal in the 57th minute. Gribben enjoyed better luck just two minutes later though when his free-kick was volleyed home by Allison to give the Dale the lead.

To show how powder-puff Thornton had been up front, in the 90th minute, home keeper, Dylan Rooney, came to collect a high ball. Prior to that Armadale could've easily just hung a goalie's jersey from the crossbar.

The final nail in the coffin came in the 3rd minute of added time when Allison fired home after good wing play from William Rodger.

Armadale Thistle: Rooney, Horn, Hislop, Maclachlan, Leiper, Kane, Slessor, Collumbine, Gribben, Allison, W. Rodger. Subs: Tierney, Keir, Murphy

Thornton Hibs: Warrender, S.Drummond, Robertson, Shields, Shanks, Orrock, Keatings, Hepburn, McNab, Thomson, Adam. Subs: D.Anthony, B.Anthony, Millar, A.Drummond, Costello.

Referee: Mr A.Strang