Match reporter: JOHN LAING

Make no mistake – this result was absolutely massive in Thornton's quest to finish in the top seven in the league. And it was fully deserved with the hosts losing only their third league game of the season.

The first two goal-scoring opportunities fell to the Hibs with both Garry Thomson and Joe Kinninmonth coming to close to finding the net. Then at the other end, Andy Adam blocked two efforts in a minute from crossing the line.

Thomson eventually broke the deadlock in the 14th minute when he raced clear onto Jamie McNeish's pass before clipping the ball over the advancing Campbell McLellan.

A terrific save from McLellan prevented McNeish from doubling Thornton's advantage and then Leith's goalie made another great stop to prevent Thomson from claiming his second.

The Hibs went two up in the 52nd minute and, like the first goal, McNeish was the provider with Thomson shooting past McLellan.

Callum Doran prevented Kayne Paterson from reducing the leeway with a fine save and not long after that Doran again came to the visitors' rescue to deny James Redpath.

John Robertson's shot struck the top of the crossbar as Leith started to look a real threat with Paterson eventually pulling a goal back in the 77th minute as he converted Craig Hume's cutback.

With six minutes remaining Leith had two players – Paterson and Robertson – red carded in separate incidents when the game was stopped for Adam Masson to receive treatment.

Just at the back of this, Thornton were awarded a penalty-kick when the ref judged that Ben Rolland had been impeded in the area but Stuart Drummond watched in despair as McLellan kept his side in the game with a fine save.

Despite being down to nine men, Leith were looking like the team more likely to score so when the final whistle sounded it was met with sighs of relief as well as cheers from the Hibs' players, coaches and supporters.

GI Joinery Hibs' Man of the Match: THE WHOLE TEAM

Leith Athletic: McLellan, Redpath, Hume, Allan, Mein, Ferrier, Turnbull, Wardlaw, Paterson, Crolla, Robertson. Subs: Smith, Hand, Stewart, Barfoot, Greatorex, Bookbinder

Thornton Hibs: Doran, Masson, Robertson, S.Drummond, Adam, McMillan, McNeish, Coleman, Kinninmonth, Thomson, Soutar. Subs: Rolland, Daniel Meldrum, Allan (T), Darren Meldrum (T)

Referee: Mr S.MacLean