Despite having more than their fair share of possession of the ball, Thornton lost their unbeaten record at Davie Park against a well disciplined side who were superbly marshalled from the back by Mark Brash.

In the first-half, goal-scoring opportunities were at a premium but early in the second period the Berrypickers twice came close to taking the lead. Firstly, Kit Bremner hit a screamer that curled wide of its intended target and then Mark Rowbotham, in his 100th appearance for the Hibs, made a terrific double save from Scott Tovey.

Twice in the space of three minutes, Gordon O’Brien in the home goal made superb full-length saves to prevent Mathew Gay and Stevie Leslie from breaking the deadlock.

Just when it looked like the game might remain goal-less, substitute, Robbie Hood, stole in at the back post to give Blairgowrie an 80th minute lead and then in the 89th minute, another substitute, Sean Kelly, struck a great low shot into the corner of the net to make sure of the three points for Bill Mackay’s men.
 
Window Store Hibs’ Man of the Match – Ian Hepburn
 
Blairgowrie: O’Brien, Menzies, Nicoll, Tovey, Brash, McDonald, Findlay, Millar, Duncan, Bremner, Neave. Subs: Axworthy, Kelly, Hood, Middleton, Maloney.
 
Referee: Mr S. Leslie