Two late goals from Garry Thomson almost certainly guaranteed promotion for the Hibs as only Dundee North End, who currently have an inferior goal difference, can catch Craig Gilbert's men.

Goal scoring opportunities were at a premium in the first-half. Ewan Henderson and Ian Hepburn brought out decent saves from Liam Dunn whilst at the other end, Ryan Linton saved with his feet to deny Nicholas Mann.

The Hibs upped the ante in the second-half and came close to breaking the deadlock on more than a few occasions, most notably when Henderson's header came back off the post into the grateful hands of Dunn.

The hosts were reduced to ten men when Andrew McDonald was sent-off for a second yellow card offence in the 78th minute and there's no doubt that Thornton used this to their advantage as they piled on the pressure.

A goal had to come and, sure enough, five minutes later Garry Thomson headed home Shaun Keatings' perfect corner-kick. Great skill from Chris Ireland in the 89th minute gave him the opportunity to lay off the ball to Thomson who drilled the ball home from the edge of the penalty area to complete the scoring.

To mathematically ensure promotion, Thornton need just one point from a possible nine and given the form they are in just now, who would bet against this happening?

SM Electrical Services Hibs' Man of the Match – Nicky McGowan    

Dundee East Craigie: Dunn, Warwick, White, Reekie, Malone, Gray, McLeish, McDonald, Mann, McArtney, Bowie. Subs: Maloney, Howett, Irvine, Ward.

Thornton Hibs: Linton, M.Robertson, McMillan, McGowan, Shields, Coleman, Crichton, Hepburn, Henderson, Thomson, McNab. Subs: Ireland, Keatings, Burns.

Referee: Mr R.Taylor
 
Match statistics:
Attempts at goal - EC 10 TH 18
Attempts on target - EC 5 TH 8
Corners - EC 4 TH 6
Offside - EC 1 TH 1
Fouls committed - EC 8 TH 12
Yellow Cards - EC 3 TH 1
Red Cards - EC 1 TH 0