Match reporter: MELISSA MCNAB

On Saturday afternoon, the fog cleared and Thornton Hibs claimed their third victory away from home this season, at Clayton Caravan Park Recreation Ground.

The Hibs started this game with no less than seven first team changes from their previous outing, and defeat to Edinburgh United, as manager Craig Gilbert was eager to capitalise on all three available points. Both teams began with intent and within the first 5 minutes, the Hibs had two shouts for handball ignored by the match official and just four minutes later, St Andrews United’s Daryl Falconer got goal side of Dean McMillan and converted a cross from beyond the half way line, with a tap in.

In amongst the spattering of attempts on goal from Thornton that followed, the opposing keeper only had to make one save after Daniel McNab’s attempt to place a free kick in the back of the net, didn’t work out as planned. As Thornton searched for their equaliser before the half time whistle, the few permitted committee spectators might have thought their eyes deceived them as Ian Shanks showed some great skill in the middle of the park to release the ball for yet another attack – some would argue that he tripped.

In the thirty sixth minute, ‘Shanksy’ sent a fantastic cross in the direction of Garry Thomson, which he easily headed beyond St Andrews keeper - restoring balance before the first half was over.

The second half started in the same way as the first, with both teams re-organised and set on coming out on top. Adam Drummond was shown a yellow card in the forty seventh minute and St Andrews looked dangerous for a few minutes afterwards but the game was settled after McMillan headed the ball away to safety.

Thornton took their opportunity next, McNab had a fantastic run up the park in minute fifty two, sending the ball towards the penalty spot but Jack Wilson couldn’t find the control he needed and his volley went over the crossbar, shortly followed by Garry Thomson’s wide shot on an open goal for yet another failed attempt to move the scoresheet by Thornton.

Although Thornton continued to attack, in the sixty eighth and seventy seventh minute Ross Hain, Jack Hoskisson and Darren Ormiston were substituted on, giving Thornton some much needed extra pace up front. Just before Max Coleman was substituted on to make his 100th appearance for Thornton Hibs, Elliot Ford played a through ball to Garry Thomson who’s attempt on goal was saved by Shaw. But Garry wasn’t finished yet – as the ball ricocheted off the keepers outstretched leg, he scored a beautiful overhead kick to seal the deal for the Hibs.

SM Electrical Services (Fife) Ltd Hibs Man of the Match - Garry Thomson

St Andrews United: Shaw, Rendall, Fleming, S.Cunningham, Sneddon, Penman, Falconer, King, Andrew, R.Cunningham, McInnes. Subs: Grady, Fleming, O'Connor, Hart, Moran.

Thornton Hibs: Millar, Ford, McMillan, A.Drummond, Shanks, Lee, Mackie, McNab, Wilson, Thomson, McNeish. Subs: Ormiston, Robertson, Hoskisson, Coleman, Hain, Shields, Linton.

Referee: Mr B.Dickson

Match statistics:
Attempts at goal - StA 8 TH 19
Attempts on target - StA 3 TH 5
Corners - StA 6 TH 9
Offside - StA 0 TH 2
Fouls committed - StA 9 TH 13
Yellow Cards - StA 1 TH 1
Red Cards - StA 0 TH 0