Newburgh Juniors v Thornton Hibs

Match reporter: JOHN LAING

Thornton Hibs recorded their fourteenth league win on the bounce at East Shore Park and on this occasion barely 25 seconds had elapsed when Robbie Hall's superb pass gave Jamie McNeish the opportunity to smash home the opener.

John Soutar made it two in the 17th minute from close range with McNeish turning provider and by the 23rd minute it was 3-0 when Garry Thomson rose to head home Andy Adam's corner-kick.

On the stroke of half-time Newburgh were dealt a real blow as their 'keeper, Joe Russell, was red-carded after bringing down Thomson with Stuart Drummond netting the resultant penalty kick.

Five minutes into the second-half Drummond claimed his second, again from the spot, after Elliot Jowitt impeded Soutar then substitute Andy McCallion blasted the sixth past Jason Inglis in the 62nd minute.

In the 76th minute, Thomson wrapped up the scoring by netting his 200th league goal for the club and with Calum Sutherland and his defence also recording a clean sheet it was almost the perfect night for Craig Gilbert's men but there was one black spot and it came in the 36th minute when Euan Hay had to go off after picking up a painful injury.

The Station Hotel/ Copland Glazing Hibs Man of the Match: Garry Thomson

Newburgh: Russell, Lindsay, Jowitt, Cameron, Taylor, Coutts, McNally, Mitchell, Hall, McPhate, Sharp. Subs: Fyfe, Inglis, Eddouss (T), McCallion (T).

Thornton Hibs: Sutherland, Laird, Hay, Drummond, Cunningham, Adam, McNeish, Coleman, Hall, Thomson, Soutar. Subs: Rodger, Allan, McCallion, Horsburgh, McNab, Shanks, Crichton.

Referee: Mr J.Kinnon

Match statistics:
Attempts at goal - NJ 0 TH 19
Attempts on target - NJ 0 TH 12
Corners - NJ 3 TH 9
Offside - NJ 0 TH 3
Fouls committed - NJ 6 TH 10
Yellow Cards - NJ 2 TH 0
Red Cards - NJ 1 TH 0

Attendance: 84

Statto's Corner:
* The Hibs' record-breaking run of consecutive League wins stretched to fourteen.
* Garry Thomson's second was his 200th League goal for Thornton, and he has also netted a double in four consecutive matches.
* The Hibs' fourth goal was the 100th of the season in all competitions.
* Calum Sutherland kept his 8th clean sheet of the season and his 20th in 68 appearances for the Hibs.
* Both Andy McCallion and John Soutar took their goal involvement tally to 20 for the season - Andy 14 goals, 6 assists; John 6 goals and 14 assists.
* Manager Craig Gilbert has now led his team 25 times against Newburgh - this was the 10th time his charges have netted five or more goals.
* The Hibs are now unbeaten in 12 matches (10 wins, 2 draws) in all competitions against Newburgh. Last defeat was in August 2013 on a night when Adam Drummond was sent off for kicking an advertising board in frustration!