Following three victories on the spin, the Hibs were brought crashing back to earth as Lochgelly became the first team to take six goals off Craig Gilbert’s side this season. And the man who did most damage was the former Thornton striker, Stevie Brown, who claimed three of them.
His first came in the 8th minute when he pounced on a loose ball to ram it home from close range.
In the 34th minute, Colin Jeffrey doubled Lochgelly’s tally with a shot from the edge of the area that Ian Shanks, on the Hibs’ goal-line, could only help into his own goal. Poor defending, again, just seven minutes later allowed Brown to score again.
Brown turned provider in the 67th minute with a cross that John McDiarmid back-headed into the net.
Within a minute, the Hibs were awarded a penalty that incensed Colin Jeffrey so much, he was shown a second yellow card and ordered from the field of play. Colin Rushford saved Adam Drummond’s attempt but although Drummond netted the rebound, the ref ordered for it to be retaken because of encroachment. This time, Drummond made no mistake.
Despite being a man down, it was Lochgelly who scored again, Ryan O’Connor being their 74th minute marksman. The scoring was complete ten minutes later as Brown completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after Aiden Gordon brought down John McDiarmid.
The Hibs also finished with ten men after Blair Smart said something the referee didn’t find particularly complimentary.
Lochgelly Albert: Rushford, Ross, Swan, Barratt, Wilson, Payne, O’Connor, Macfarlane, Brown, McDiarmid, Jeffrey. Subs: Wright, Kinnell.
Referee: Mr J. Curran