Unless they want to be relegated, Thornton Hibs will need to get more streetwise in the Premier League. Mistakes that may have gone unpunished in the Central League are being seized upon now and so it's to be hoped that these harsh lessons can be learned before it's too late.

Kinnoull took the lead in the 9th minute from the penalty spot after Stuart McDonald brought down Robbie Stephen who was running away from goal. Daryn Smith took it and despite Mike Wilson going the right way he was unable to stop the ball finding the back of the net. Five minutes later, Kinnoull were awarded another penalty kick when the ball struck Adam Drummond's arm although to be fair to the Hibs' defender it didn't look intentional. Smith put it to the other side to give his team a two goal lead.

The visitors shot themselves in the foot big-time in the 58th minute. They were given a free-kick in their own-half but lost possession cheaply and within 5 or 6 seconds, Stephen Mann put the home side three up.

Thornton haven't had their problems to seek with regards to injuries this season and Adam Drummond joined the casualty list with a knee injury that may take some time to heal. Drummond normally takes the Hibs' penalties but because he'd gone off injured, John Halley stepped forward after he'd been pushed in the area. New signing, Matt Curtis, not only saved Halley's attempt, he also got up smartly to block Halley's second go from the rebound.

Thornton were awarded another penalty in the 83rd minute after Halley's shot struck David Hutton's arm. Again, it seemed a wee bit harsh even more so when the Perth team's defender was ordered-off for this second yellow card offence. Ian Hepburn took it and this time it counted to throw his side a lifeline.

There were no more goals though but that wasn't the end of the talking points as John Halley and Robbie Stephen were both ordered-off with four minutes to go.

Referee: Mr A Spalding