The Hibs maintained their push for promotion against short-staffed Kirrie with Chris Ireland claiming his second hat-trick of the season.

Ireland's first goal, a header, came with barely thirty seconds on the clock and despite this flying start, it wasn’t until the 54th minute that Thornton doubled their tally when Willie Clark’s brilliantly taken free-kick flashed in just under the junction of the crossbar and post.

Chris Ireland blocked an attempted clearance from Scott Knox in the 72nd minute and as a result the ball rolled towards goal with Ireland having the simplest of tasks to stroke it into the unguarded goal.

Ireland wrapped up the scoring in the 84th minute as he headed home Garry Thomson’s cross to make it 25 goals in 28 appearances this season for the Hibs’ striker.
 
Window Store Hibs’ Man of the Match – Chris Ireland
 
Kirriemuir Thistle: Knox, Hill, George, Millar, Duffy, Kamani, Muckersie, Scott, Headridge, Clark, Miller.
 
Referee: Mr J. Bell