Thornton took all three points from this scrappy game at Coronation Park thanks to first-half goals from Keiran McGuire and Adam Drummond.

The opening goal came in the 27th minute when McGuire struck a beauty from 18 yards that entered the net right inside the junction of the bar and post. Up ‘til then, the game had been evenly matched but it looked like the Hibs were going to canter it when Drummond netted from the spot shortly before the interval. The penalty award was made when the ref deemed that Chris Ireland’s netbound strike had been deliberately handled by Glen Miller. Despite the fierce protestations from the home side, Miller was given first shot of the hot water.

Like it did for Thornton two week’s previous, being disadvantaged numerically worked to Bankfoot’s benefit as they knew they had to try that bit harder.

In the 51st minute, Bradley Grieve came to the Hibs’ rescue when he cleared off the line but the Bankies had better luck one minute later when Donald Macdonald lashed the ball high into the net following Lewis Mackie’s corner-kick.

Not long at the back of that, David Fyfe went on a strong run then smashed the ball against the top of the crossbar. The Hibs weathered the storm however and came close to regaining their two-goal advantage. Adam Drummond’s searching cross from the left picked out John Halley. The former Raith man’s first touch was sublime and his second, a volley, was inches away from counting. Chris Ireland was even closer with a terrific 20 yard strike but Mark Mitchell made a magnificent flying save to deny the Hibs’ striker.

Late on, Joe Samson was ordered-off for a second yellow card offence to even the numbers up but the scoreline still remained in favour of the Hibs.

Bankfoot Athletic: M.Mitchell, Hay, Macdonald, Moon, Ritchie, Miller, Bloomer, R.Mitchell, Fyfe, Mackie, Campbell. Subs: Brechin, McAinsh, Williams, Christie, McCabe.

Referee: Mr S. Traynor