The fact that the only goal of this game came very late on is testimony to the outstanding performances from both goalkeepers. Brian Kenny in the home goal and the Hibs’ Mark Rowbotham both pulled off some terrific stops and, indeed, Chris Ireland’s late winner only came after Kenny had saved his first attempt but was powerless to prevent Ireland from netting the rebound.

The first-half was pretty insipid stuff with the only points of note coming when Joe Samson cleared off the line and Rowbotham made a great save to deny Peter Fyfe.

The second-half had to be better and thankfully it was.

Tam McGeorge came very close to opening the scoring in the 50th minute with a terrific free-kick that struck the underside of the crossbar before being hastily cleared by the relieved Hibs’ defence.

Two minutes at the back of that John Rushford passed up a good chance to open the scoring and then at the other end, Kenny pulled off a wonderful save to prevent the Hibs’ skipper, Adam Drummond, from breaking the deadlock.

Following more good saves from both ‘keepers, a goal finally came in the 90th minute. Joe Samson’s free-kick was backheaded by Drummond into the path of Ireland. Initially, Kenny made a superb save from the Thornton striker but Ireland followed up to squeeze the ball home.
 
Rosyth: Kenny, Logan, Livingston, Watson, Pearson, Paterson, Fyfe, McMillan, McGeorge, Rushford, Griffin. Subs: Ogg, Robertson, Lawson, Bateson, Mayne.

Referee: Mr C.Phillips