“Well, that would get fitba stopped” was one Hibs’ supporter’s scathing assessment of this game and from a Thornton angle it was difficult to argue. Rosyth supporters would obviously beg to differ as this was a great result for them after playing the last 17 minutes with just nine men.

The visitors took the lead in the 14th minute. Craig Hall brought down Mike McMillan in the area and Dean Ogg scored from the penalty spot. Thornton equalised in the 26th minute when Mathew Gay’s terrific cross was volleyed home by Adam Drummond. Ogg restored Rosyth’s lead in the 39th minute to complete the first-half scoring.

The second-half was only seconds old when the former Hibs’ man, Gary Cassells clashed with Andrew Adam. Both players were cautioned for this but in Cassells’ case it was his second so he got first shot of the hot water.

When Harris Moyes was upended in the area in the 70th minute, the Hibs had a great chance to equalise, however Brian Kenny brilliantly saved Adam Drummond’s spot-kick. Three minutes later, Rosyth were reduced to nine men when Stuart Innes’ tackle on Craig Hall was deemed to be reckless. This decision incensed the guys in the Rosyth dug out who thought the tackle had been legit. The upshot of this was that the manager, Grant Brough, was instructed to leave the technical area.

Despite having this two man advantage, the Hibs were unable to use it to any effect and indeed the closest thing to a goal came when Andy Traub broke clear but lashed his shot over the bar.

Rosyth: Kenny, D.Cassells, Conner, Pearson, McMillan, Innes, Griffin, Bell, Ogg, G.Cassells, Ritchie. Subs: Dair, Seath, White, Westwater, Waring, Traub, Patterson.

Referee: Mr J.Bell