Match reporter: JOHN LAING

The Hibs began this game with the same starting X1 that did so well in their previous outing against Edinburgh South but after just twenty three minutes, Stuart Drummond was called on to replace namesake, Adam, who had to go off with a leg injury.

And the substitute had only been on the pitch seven minutes when his header from Andy Adam's free-kick struck the crossbar.

A minute later, Daniel McNab did better with a terrific free-kick that gave Shea Dowie no chance to give Craig Gilbert's team a lead they deserved on balance of play.

A great right wing dash from Elliot Ford ended with the full back bringing out a save from Dowie who was happy to see the ball go wide for a corner-kick. McNab took it and Dowie was mighty relieved when his attempted clearance struck the back of his team-mate, Guy Kerr, and flew over the bar.

With Dean McMillan off the pitch injured, ten man Thornton doubled their lead three minutes before the interval. Garry Thomson won the ball from Ronan Clelland and played the ball to the unmarked McNab. He took off at pace before delivering a cross that was perfect for Darren Ormiston to smash home his first goal in a Hibs' jersey.

Although there was no more scoring in the second-half, Dowie was still the busier goalie, keeping out attempts from Thomson, Ford and substitute, Jamie McNeish.

SM Electrical Services Hibs Man of the Match: Daniel McNab

Dalkeith Thistle: Dowie, Aitchison, Kerr, Clelland, D.Leslie, Fairnie, Burrows, Muir, Johnston, Callaghan, Fairgrieve. Subs: Burke, Wilson, Vuna, Roxburgh, Dillon, McFadden, C.Leslie

Thornton Hibs: Millar, Ford, McMillan, A.Drummond, Lee, Coleman, Mackie, McNab, Ormiston, Thomson, Adam. Subs: Hoskisson, Hepburn, S.Drummond, Wilson, B.Rolland, McNeish

Referee: Mr J.Gall

Match statistics:
Attempts at goal - DT 4 TH 14
Attempts on target - DT 1 TH 10
Corners - DT 3 TH 8
Offside - DT 0 TH 4
Fouls committed - DT 17 TH 12
Yellow Cards - DT 3 TH 4
Red Cards - DT 1 TH 0