When Thornton's game against Montrose Roselea fell foul of the weather, a friendly game against Auchtermuchty Bellvue at Cupar Sports Centre was quickly arranged.

Scott Gilfillan made his debut after moving to the Hibs on loan from Kelty Hearts and there was also a substitute appearance by John Paul Burns who last pulled on his boots in September 2013.

Chris Ireland gave Thornton the lead in the 4th minute when he converted Adam Drummond's deep cross and Ireland doubled his tally in the 14th minute from the penalty spot after being sent tumbling by Mark Robertson.

Kieran Hastie squandered a good chance to reduce the leeway in the 24th minute but his aim was truer eight minutes later as he smashed the ball beyond Kyle Marley. Lea Schiavone restored the Hibs' two goal advantage three minutes after this as he got on the end of Ireland's cutback to rifle the ball home.

Five minutes into the second-half, Ireland completed his hat-trick from the spot following a soft penalty award and then he turned provider again in the 65th minute with Schiavone once more benefiting from his good work.

Despite having Adam Drummond ordered-off, Thornton remained on the front foot and Jack Wilson made it six in the 72nd minute when he robbed Jake Cruickshank just inside the 'Muchty half then ran unchallenged to shoot high into the net from twelve yards.

Ireland scored his fourth in the 81st minute with an absolute worldie from near the left hand touchline and then with six minutes remaining Steven Cruickshank pulled one back for Bellvue.

Thornton Hibs: Marley, Crichton, A.Drummond, S.Drummond, Shanks, Adam, Gilfillan, Hepburn, Ireland, Schiavone, Thomson. Subs: Shields, Strachan, Wilson, Burns, Rowbotham.

Auchtermuchty Bellvue: Robertson, J.Cruickshank, Dunsmore, Brown, Maclean-Linton, Fraser, Kane, S.Cruickshank, O'Leary, Hastie, Wardrope. Subs: Caldwell, Calley, Simmers, Perrie, Cluhir.