This heavy defeat at Volunteer Park had the effect of relegating Thornton after just one season in the Premier League. Armadale, on the other hand, avoided going down courtesy of the three points they collected and on the day they were well worth their victory.

Darren Downie gave the home side the lead in the 7th minute when he ran un-marked on to the loose ball after the trialist 'keeper had saved well from Steven Weir. This goal settled Armadale down and they held the upper hand, although only an outstanding save by Bruno Maltoni prevented Chris Ireland's terrific volley from making it all-square.

Goals from Gary Brown and Downie in the first six minutes of the second-half virtually killed off any hopes the Hibs had of taking anything from the game although Daniel McNab did manage to pull one back on the hour mark with a clever back heel near the rear post.

Andrew Adam came very close to further reducing the deficit with an outrageous volley from well outside the box but – and maybe this sums up the Hibs' fortunes this season – it struck the junction of post and bar before bouncing to safety. 

After McNab had been ordered-off for a second yellow card offence, Davie Taylor completed the scoring in the 78th minute.

Another terrific volley, this time from Lea Schiavone, brought out an equally impressive save from Maltoni and this was the last point of note from the game.

Now, Thornton's last match of the season at Dalkeith next Saturday is a complete dead rubber with both teams having just pride at stake when they take to the field.

Window Store Hibs' Man of the Match – Stuart Drummond

Armadale Thistle: Maltoni, G.Brown, Bonner, Mackay, S.Brown, Patrick, Thomson, Taylor, Downie, Weir, Trialist. Subs: Pusledzki, Trialist, Trialist, Clark.

Referee: Mr I. Sneddon