Match reporter: JOHN LAING

Thornton Hibs first ever visit to the extremely picturesque Victoria Park was an enjoyable one as they recorded the victory that allowed them to make it into the draw (hopefully a home one this time!) for the second round of the League Cup.

And they got off to the perfect start because with just two minutes on the clock, Robbie Westwaters netted for the second week on the trot with Lewis Rodger – as he had done the previous Saturday – providing the assist.

Just two minutes later Stuart Drummond was fortunate there wasn't a swear box as he was heard to loudly voice his frustration after he put an effort just wide and at this stage it looked like a case of just how many the Hibs would win by.

It wasn't until the half-hour mark though that they managed to double their advantage when Murray Black played in Harris Jolicoeur who coolly clipped the ball over the advancing Thomas McLean for his second goal for the club.

Early in the second-half Westwaters wasn't far away from claiming his second then at the other end Yassar Sambo had a great opportunity to reduce the leeway but he lost his footing at the crucial moment and the chance was gone.

James Flynn then watched in disappointment as his attempt flashed over and then at the other end, the Hibs substitute, Keir Allan, struck a beauty with McLean equal to the task as he tipped the ball onto the top of the crossbar.

Macaulay Jarrett in the Hibs goal made his first save of note in the 79th minute to deny Nathan Thomson then deep into added time he made sure of the clean sheet when he made a great stop from the same man.

The Sunnydale Executive Travel/ Station Hotel Hibs Man of the Match: Lewis Rodger

Vale of Leithen: McLean, McBride, Masson, Mitchell, Scott, McKinlay, Nicholson, Flynn, Sambo, Thomson, Williamson. Subs: Sandry, Mitchell, Silah, Morris, Saliou Fam.

Thornton Hibs: Jarrett, Rodger, McMillan, Drummond, Cunningham, Adam, McNeish, Black, Jolicoeur, Keatings, Westwaters. Subs: Doctor, Hain, Soutar, Allan.

Referee: Mr B.Blackley

Attendance: 43

Match statistics:
Attempts at goal - VoL 6 TH 10
Attempts on target - VoL 2 TH 5
Corners - VoL 1 TH 5
Offside - VoL 0 TH 4
Free kicks conceded - VoL 12 TH 10
Yellow Cards - VoL 0 TH 2
Red Cards - VoL 0 TH 0

Statto's Corner:
* Andrew Adam made his 100th appearance in cup ties for the Hibs
* This was the first meeting between the sides and the first time Thornton had defeated a club with 'Vale' in their name. Previously, we had lost to Vale of Leven in a Scottish Junior Cup replay in 2013 and Vale of Clyde in the South Challenge Cup in 2023.