Despite a much improved second-half performance, Thornton failed to take at least one point from their second home game of the season.
 
Only Shaun Keatings and Garry Thomson had goal scoring opportunities in the first-half with the visitors fully deserving to be ahead at the interval thanks to goals from Dale Davidson and Philip Hagen, the latter's coming right on the stroke of half-time.
 
Keatings pulled one back for the Hibs in the 63rd minute following a good move and he was immediately substituted because of injury. His replacement, Matthew Robertson, injected real enthusiasm into Thornton and he was combining well with his namesake, Dale, on the right flank. Between them, they created some great chances that were squandered to the frustration of the home support.
 
And so it was totally against the run of play when Davidson extended The Spiders' lead in the 79th minute.
With one minute remaining, Liam Forbes lobbed the 'keeper to reduce the leeway and in stoppage time Garry Thomson shot wide when it looked as if Craig Gilbert's side would snatch an equaliser.
 
GI Joinery Hibs' Man of the Match: Dale Robertson
 
Thornton Hibs: B.Thomson, D.Robertson, McMillan, S.Drummond, A.Drummond, Strachan, Keatings, Hepburn, Feeley, G.Thomson, McNab. Subs: M.Robertson, Coleman, Crichton, Forbes, Shields.
 
Downfield: Thomson, Cargill, Timmons, O'Leary, Duell, Hagan, Davidson, Winter, Gallacher, Colquhoun, Adam. Subs: Clarkson, Mudie, Small, Blackwood, Smith.
 
Referee: Mr G.Macdonald
 
Match statistics:
Attempts at goal - TH 13 DD 6
Attempts on target - TH 9 DD 3
Corners - TH 6 DD 6
Offside - TH 1 DD 7
Fouls committed - TH 10 DD 19
Yellow Cards - TH 2 DD 2
Red Cards - TH 0 DD 0