Despite taking an early lead, a crazy sixty seconds cost Thornton Hibs dearly as they lost this latest "home" game in Perth.

They started the game in style and with only two minutes played, Ross Morgan's brilliant flick put the Hibs in front. Graeme Walker had provided the assist and Morgan returned the compliment by sending Walker clear five minutes later, however, Duncan Bruce made a blinding save to prevent the midfielder from finding the net for the third game on the trot.

Slack defending allowed Gavin Tinley to get a shot on goal and although Kevin Smith made a smart save, Alex Bone was on hand to slam the loose ball into the empty net. From the re-start, the Hibs gave away possession cheaply and Bone beat the offside trap to slide the ball beyond Smith.

The Hibs were dealt another blow at the interval when Kevin Smith had to leave to go to work. With no other 'keeper available, it was left to the manager, Craig Gilbert, to pull on the number one jersey. This was his first competitive game for the club since November 2000 but it has to be said that he did all that was asked of him although he rode his luck on a couple of occasions.

In the 61st minute, it was all-square when Coco Mullen rose to head home John Halley's corner-kick and three minutes later when Halley delivered another corner-kick, it was Jimmy Shields'turn to get on the end of it but his header cleared the target.

Kinnoull had a big shout for a penalty waved aside when Bone went down as he was tackled by Chris Mill. To rub salt in the wounds, Bone received a yellow card for simulation.

The former St Mirren striker had the last laugh though as he appeared to be offside when he completed his hat-trick in the 84th minute. With two minutes remaining, Graeme Walker robbed Mark Duigan on the byeline and cut the ball back to Mullen but his shot flashed harmlessly over.

So, yet another bad day at the office for Thornton Hibs but given the fact that their former treasurer, Alex Duncan, had collapsed and died earlier in the day, aged just 60, then you've got to take a step back and realise it's only a game.

Kinnoull: Bruce, Timmons, S. Fleming, Duigan, Smith, McKinlay, Henderson, Fraser, Bone, Tinley, D. Fleming. Subs: Carr, Price, Webster, O'Connor, McKinnie.

Referee: Mr K.Beats