Season 2012/13 officially started on Wednesday night for Thornton with the short trip to take on Kirkcaldy in the ACA Sports League Cup.

FIFA have announced that goal line technology is to be introduced and this might’ve come in handy when Keiran McGuire’s 19th minute header struck the underside of the bar. Did the ball cross the line? The Hibs’ appeals that it had were in vain as the ref was adamant it hadn’t.

They had better luck in the 22nd minute. A long ball from John Halley found Garry Thomson and he stuck the ball away with some aplomb.

This lead lasted just two minutes until Mike McAinsh inadvertently diverted Gregg Meikle’s cross past his own ‘keeper. Before half-time, Meikle struck to put Colin Downie’s team in front.

Kirkcaldy’s lead was doubled in the 57th minute when Shaun Greig headed home Meikle’s free-kick. Any hopes of a comeback disappeared when first Kris Maxwell and then Keiran McGuire were sent-off for 2nd yellow card offences.

To be fair, the Hibs defended stoutly with the two man disadvantage but only Lewis Elder will know how he missed the opportunity to increase Kirkcaldy’s tally when he stroked the ball wide of an open goal  after being set up by Meikle.

Near the end, the Hibs’ woes were complete when Chris Ireland landed awkwardly and went over on his ankle. He was carried off leaving Thornton to complete the game with eight men. 

Kirkcaldy YMCA: Gay, Orrock, Pelosi, Quinn, C. Ness, Greenhill, McNeil, L.Elder, Meikle, D.Elder. Subs: Masson, Browne, Samson, R.Ness, Smart.

Referee: Mr J. Bell