A goal in each half gave Whitburn a well deserved three points at Central Park.

The Hibs just couldn't get a rhythm going in the first-half although when the ref blew for half-time, there was only one goal in it. But it was a goal that Kevin Smith will not want to be reminded of. A long ball was played through the middle of the Thornton defence in the 16th minute and Smith rushed from his goal to clear. Unfortunately for the Hibs' 'keeper, he completely 'fresh-aired' it and Barry Craig was only too pleased to accept this gift and stroked the ball into the net despite Chris Mill's vain attempt to block the shot.

The closest Thornton came to making it all square before the interval came when Coco Mullen rose to head Andrew Adam's corner-kick goalwards but Daryl Hampson was handily placed to knock the ball off the line.

In the second-half, the Hibs improved a wee bit although Whitburn still carried the greater goal threat. Craig missed an absolute snip to make it two in the 51st minute and then at the other end the Hibs passed up their best goal-scoring opportunity of the game. Andrew Adam's deep cross found Coco Mullen at the back post but instead of hitting the target he somehow screwed his shot across the face of goal and out for a goal-kick.

If Smith had been at fault for the goal then he atoned for this with a terrific flying save to prevent Alan Mooney's free-kick from hitting the rigging. He was powerless though to stop Gary Miller's 25 yard exocet in the 76th minute from hitting the back of the net.

The Hibs wouldn't lie down though but when Ian Hepburn headed Andrew Adam's crossed ball onto the top of the crossbar it just about summed up his team's day.

Referee: Mr D Munro