It was a welcome relief to the home support when the referee sounded the full-time whistle as Tranent had battled back from three down to reduce the deficit to just one.

Shaun Keatings gave the Hibs a 17th minute lead from the penalty spot after he'd been brought down in the area. Garry Thomson doubled this lead five minutes later with a terrific free-kick awarded after Keatings had been on the end of another illegal challenge.

A great run from Raymond Crichton in the 42nd minute ended with an equally impressive finish to make it three and there was still time for Keatings to be denied another penalty before half-time.

Tranent were a different proposition in the second-half with Jamie Paterson twice sending in fierce drives that just missed the target.

The Belters pulled one back in the 59th minute through Ben Miller and then Ryan Linton made a great save to deny Michael Fairnie before Jamie Todd headed the visitors' second in the 78th minute.

The remaining twelve minutes plus added time seemed to take an eternity to pass for Thornton but they held out to take a very welcome three points that sees them move up to seventh spot.

GI Joinery Hibs' Man of the Match: Garry Thomson

Thornton Hibs: Linton, D.Robertson, M.Robertson, S.Drummond, A.Drummond, Coleman, Keatings, McMillan, Forbes, Thomson, Crichton. Subs: Shanks, Feeley, Strachan, McNab, Hepburn.

Tranent: Horne, Christie, Wojtowycz, Todd, Kerr, Paterson, Miller, Fairnie, Fisher, Paterson, Waters. Subs: Smith, Fiddler, Smeaton, Hawkins.

Referee: Mr G.MacDonald.
 
Match statistics:
Attempts at goal - TH 7 TJ 10
Attempts on target - TH 3 TJ 5
Corners - TH 1 TJ 5
Offside - TH 3 TJ 4
Fouls committed - TH 11 TJ 22
Yellow Cards - TH 5 TJ 1
Red Cards - TH 0 TJ 0