In the absence of Adam Drummond, Keiran McGuire wore the Hibs’ armband at Humbug Park but as far as Crossgates were concerned, it might just as well have been Dick Turpin. Whilst this wasn’t exactly Highway Robbery, there’s no doubt that Dave McNeely’s team will play worse and win this season.

As early as the fourth minute, the Hibs could’ve been two down after Dale Allan and Aaron Hay had seen efforts come back off the frame of the goal.

They survived these early scares though and took a 14th minute lead when Kris Maxwell’s free-kick was headed back across goal by Chris Ireland for Garry Thomson to lash the ball home from the edge of the wee box.

In a quick counter attack, Coco Mullen headed home Keiran McGuire’s cross in the 35th minute to make it two and that was the end of the first-half scoring but only thanks to Mark Rowbotham’s flying save that prevented Rory McCann’s free-kick from counting. 

The Hibs thought they’d a decent shout for a penalty when Coco Mullen was bundled over by Barry Paterson as he was poised to shoot but the referee saw no offence and waved play on.

It was the Hibs’ turn to hit the post in the 57th minute when trialist, Jordan Crombie, met John Halley’s corner-kick with his head. Crossgates threw everything at the Hibs’ defence in an effort to salvage something from the game but the Hibs’ defence stood firm and when, in injury time, the Rose did manage to find a way through, Mark Rowbotham made a brilliant save to keep Kevin Brown’s header out. So, this was the perfect start to Thornton’s league campaign and they’ll look to build on this when they travel to take on Lochore next Saturday.

Crossgates Primrose: Wotherspoon, Clark, Brand, Robertson, Paterson, Fitzgerald, Allan, Brown, Hay, Watson, McCann. Subs: McGowan, Stark, Murray, Duguid, Wilson.

Referee: Mr K. Maskell