In the week we witnessed incredible comebacks by Liverpool and Spurs in the Champions League, Thornton's victory at Fauldhouse maybe wasn't quite as big a throbbing semi but as far as the Hibs' supporters were concerned it meant far, far more.

The first-half was goal-less, the nearest things being a header from Fauldhouse defender, Mark Daly, a 25 yard shot that fizzed over from Thornton's Shaun Keatings and then the home side's Aiden Ward may feel he should've done better after being set up by Robbie Leighton.

The deadlock was eventually broken in the 62nd minute when Declan Brady stooped to head home David Odonnell's corner-kick and at this point it looked as if this might be enough to win the game given how shot-shy Thornton had been.

Six minutes later, however, Garry Thomson was brought down by Ward with the referee immediately pointing to the spot. Matthew Craig made a brilliant save from Stuart Drummond's penalty kick but the Hibs' vice-captain made amends by slamming the rebound high into the net.

Fauldhouse upped the ante after this but stout defending coupled with terrific goal-keeping from Andy Warrender prevented the home side from re-taking the lead and just when it looked as if this V Tech SMT Fife and Lothians Cup semi-final would be settled by penalty-kicks, three minutes into stoppage time Thornton snatched a dramatic late winner.

Andrew Adam swung in a corner-kick that found its way to Chris Ireland who laid the ball off to Adam Drummond. His attempt was diverted into the path of Thomson who smashed the ball into the net from close range to spark off scenes of great celebration for the visitors and utter dejection for the Parkview side who had put so much into the game and had nothing to show for their efforts.

There was still time for Fauldhouse to mount another attack but it proved fruitless to allow the Hibs to progress into the Final for only the second time in their history.

SM Electrical Services Hibs' Man of the Match: Andy Warrender

Fauldhouse United: Craig, Leighton, Daly, Watson, Brady, Patrick, Wallace, Ward, Currie, Smillie, Odonnell. Subs: Scott, Duffy, McCafferty, Stewart, Malone.

Thornton Hibs: Warrender, S.Drummond, A.Drummond, Shields, Shanks, Orrock, Keatings, Hepburn, B.Anthony, Thomson, Adam. Subs: Millar, McNab, Crichton, Ireland, Costello.

Referee: Mr I.Snedden