Match reporter: JOHN LAING

Despite not being at their best it was short-staffed Thornton who eventually made it into the third round of the King Cup with a visit to Newburgh being their reward.

Prior to kick-off a minutes silence was observed in memory of Craig Danks, a former Hibs' goalie, who passed away recently.

Preston's Ben Weekes came close to netting the opener with a powerful volley that flashed over then at the other end Russell Grierson had an effort from some distance that Sam Gray took comfortably.

Macaulay Jarrett saved Sebastian Mrowczynski's effort just minutes after he'd been introduced as a sub, but the visitors took the lead in the 31st minute with a fierce drive from Anes Subasic that entered the net via the inside of the upright.

And just four minutes later Preston captain, Bradley Donaldson, volleyed Nicholas Reid's corner-kick just off target.

Early in the second-half Daniel McNab's free-kick was deflected over and late in the game, Lewis Rodger's free-kick was saved by Gray.

Just as it looked like it just wasn't to be the Hibs day Sean Cunningham smashed the ball past Gray with just one minute of normal time remaining. Despite seven minutes of added time being played neither side could find the net again meaning that a penalty shoot-out was required.

For the record here's how it panned out:
Joe Kinninmonth 1-0; Bradley Donaldson 1-1; Stuart Drummond saved by Gray 1-1; James Clark over bar 1-1; Lewis Rodger 2-1; Nicholas Reid 2-2; Daniel McNab 3-2; Andrew Dempster 3-3; Sean Cunningham 4-3; Shaun Miller saved by Jarrett.

Sunnydale Executive Travel/ Station Hotel Hibs Man of the Match: Russell Grierson

Thornton Hibs: Jarrett, Grierson, McMillan, Drummond, Cunningham, Allan, Black, Coleman, McNab, Kinninmonth, Healy. Subs: McBay, Rodger, Simpson

Preston Athletic: Gray, Allan-Brown, Gallantes, Donaldson, Forsyth, Greig, Weekes, Dempster, Reid, Domyil, Subasic. Subs: Fleming, Clare, Mrowczynski, Black, Jack, Cochrane, Miller.

Referee: Mr A.Strang

Attendance: 68