At the fourth time of asking, Thornton and Bankfoot finally got this ‘nothing’ game played to allow them to complete their ACA Sports League Cup group. Following an abandonment then two postponements, league officials sanctioned the Hibs’ request to play at Beath High School’s artificial pitch. And it was just as well because Memorial Park would’ve failed a pitch inspection, a fate which befell the three other junior games scheduled to go ahead in the Kingdom the same night.

Kris Maxwell’s rasping 20 yard drive into the postage stamp gave the Hibs an 11th minute lead and shortly after Garry Thomson’s terrific volley from Coco Mullen’s cross was inches from doubling the ‘home’ side’s tally.

The second came in the 41st minute from the left boot of Chris Ireland. The Hibs’ striker was played in one on one with Bankies’ ‘keeper, Scott Christie, by Kris Maxwell and despite appeals from Bankfoot for offside, Ireland wrong-footed his opponent before guiding the ball into the open goal.

In terms of possession and goalscoring opportunities, the Hibs were way ahead but it wasn’t until the 78th minute, when John Halley netted the third, that the Hibs were certain to chalk up their first competitive victory of 2012/13.

Bankfoot Athletic: Christie, McAinsh, Jarmuszeski, Moon, Macdonald, Ritchie, Fyfe, Bloomer, Mackie, Mitchell, Smith. Subs: Hay, Murdoch, Breechin, McCaffray, Ross.

Referee: Mr C. McNab