After four consecutive weeks of playing cup-ties, the Hibs returned to league duties with a hard-earned victory at Memorial Park.

For the first-half hour or so, both teams huffed and puffed a bit before a great move in the 37th minute ended with Dean McMillan sending in a cross that was perfect for Chris Ireland to head home the opener. Just before half-time Shaun Keatings cross was converted by Garry Thomson to give the Hibs a valuable two goal lead at the interval.

In the second-half, The Shipbuilders enjoyed a lot of possession but the Hibs defence soaked up the pressure well although they had Matthew Clark to thank in the 63rd minute when he made a terrific point-blank save from Liam Mcartney.

Later on Mcartney had another great chance to reduce the deficit but watched in despair as his shot came back off the post straight into the grateful hands of Clark.

GI Joinery Hibs' Man of the Match – Dean McMillan

Thornton Hibs: Clark, M.Robertson, Shields, Drummond, McGowan, Coleman, Keatings, Hepburn, Ireland, Thomson, McMillan. Subs: Henderson, McNab, D.Robertson, Shanks, Burns.

Dundee East Craigie: Dunn, Reekie, White, McDonald, Malone, Gray, R.Welsh, McLeish, Middleton, Mcartney, Bowie. Subs: Ferrie, Rosscraig, Howett, Irvine, Moncrieff

Referee: Mr K. Maskell
 
Match statistics:
Attempts at goal - TH 11 EC 8
Attempts on target - TH 4 EC 5
Corners - TH 6 EC 8
Offside - TH 1 EC 4
Fouls committed - TH 14 EC 13
Yellow Cards - TH 4 EC 1
Red Cards - TH 0 EC 0