The former Thornton Hibs’ manager, Bill Mercer, passed away earlier this month and Saturday was the first opportunity the Hibs’ players had a chance to wear black armbands as a mark of respect. Luncarty players will surely feel that they should’ve donned black masks as well after Mathew Gay’s equaliser in stoppage time had a real Dick Turpin feel to it.

In keeping with the time of year, the Thornton goalie, Mark Rowbotham, gifted Luncarty the 23rd minute opener as his fresh air swipe at the ball allowed Scott Finlay the simplest of tasks to guide the ball into the unguarded goal. To be fair, Rowbotham more than atoned for this error by saving his side from going further behind on more than a few occasions.

Just when it looked as if the home side would collect all three points, Gay smashed the ball low into the net to earn his side a share of the spoils.
 
Luncarty: Mitchell, Fyfe, McGilvray, Cassidy, Nicol, Gray, Whytock, Finlay, Mills, D.Kelly, Cook. Subs: Anderson, Carrigan, Collier.
 
Referee: Mr S.Macauley