Match reporter: JOHN LAING

The Hibs' players, on the occasion of Craig Gilbert's 600th game as team manager, turned in one of their best performances in a wee while and making it even more special was the fact that it was his son-in-law, Garry Thomson, who gave his side a half-time lead.

Prior to Thomson heading home Shaun Keatings free-kick in the 31st minute both teams had come close to breaking the deadlock. Barely two minutes had elapsed before Billy Owens shot wide and then Keatings watched an effort come down on the top of the net.

Thomson watched in despair as his shot strike the post then at the other end Lewis McTaggart copied Thomson with a drive that bounced off the upright. Adam Robertson saw a powerful shot saved by Luis Cameron before Thomson's goal which appeared to have the effect of really kick-starting the Glasgow team into action.

Kieran Moore's attempt rebounded off the frame of the goal into the path of Carlo Monti who watched in disbelief as his volley bounced off the deck and onto the roof of the net.

The second-half began with the home side on the front foot but the Hibs defence stood firm until the 75th minute when Michael Hardie's cross came back off the post and fell into the path of fellow sub, Botti Biabi, who made no mistake from close range to level affairs.

Thereafter both teams came close to claiming a winner but there was no further scoring meaning that the tie went to penalties. For the record Keir Allan, Joe Kinninmonth, Kenzi McGair, Stuart Drummond, Garry Thomson and Adam Robertson all found the net for Thornton with the unfortunate Ross Hain seeing his attempt saved by Cameron.

As disappointing as the final outcome was for everyone connected with the Hibs, it was a terrific display against the team that reached the semi-final of last season's Scottish Communities Cup and Gilbert admitted afterwards how proud he was of his team recognising how close they came to causing an upset.

Drumchapel United: Cameron, Owen, Mills, McNiff, Monti, Frize, McTaggart, Moore, Greene, Rodden, Mackenzie. Subs: Harley, McIntyre, Hardie, Biabi, Pearson, Brander, Moscardini.

Thornton Hibs: Jarrett, Rodger, McMillan, Drummond, Cunningham, Allan, Keatings, Hain, Robertson, Thomson, Kinninmonth. Subs: Jefferies, McGair, Simpson, Coleman, McNeish, McNab.

Referee: Mr B.Feery

Match statistics:
Attempts at goal - DU 15 TH 9
Attempts on target - DU 4 TH 4
Corners - DU 6 TH 1
Offside - DU 1 TH 2
Free kicks conceded - DU 19 TH 5
Yellow Cards - DU 2 TH 1
Red Cards - DU 0 TH 0

Statto's Corner:
* Craig Gilbert took charge of Thornton Hibs for the 600th time.
* Garry Thomson scored our last goal in the Scottish Junior Cup (against Fauldhouse United in October 2019) and scored our first in the re-branded Scottish Communities Cup.
* The penalty shootout was the first the Hibs had been involved in since the win over Rosyth in the East Region League Cup in February 2020. It was the thirteenth under Craig Gilbert (won 9, lost 4).