Match reporter: JOHN LAING

The Hibs came from behind to take all three points in this keenly contested all-Fife affair.

There's no doubt that the visitors started the game better and after coming close on a few occasions they eventually took a deserved lead in the 16th minute thanks to James McAteer's back post header after he got on the end of Lyle Kellichan's corner-kick.

Gradually Thornton came more into the game and equalised in the 26th minute when former Primrose striker, Joe Kinninmonth, cut inside Callum Deas then struck a low shot just inside the post.

And just two minutes later Craig Gilbert's side took the lead. Murray Black went on a strong left wing run with his low cross being parried by Crossgates' goalie, Logan Halliday. Shaun Keatings smashed the loose ball from the edge of the big box that Halliday saved well but Dan McBay was handily placed to force the ball home from close range.

There were no further goals although Keatings had a 30 yard effort that flashed just wide and Daniel McNab saw his shot well saved by Halliday and at the other end Macaulay Jarrett (another former Humbug Park man) did well to prevent McAteer from finding the net again.

This victory meant that Thornton remain in second place on the same day that Armadale Thistle were confirmed as First Division Champions.

Sunnydale Executive Travel/ Station Hotel Hibs Man of the Match: Joe Kinninmonth

Thornton Hibs: Jarrett, Rodger, Coleman, Drummond, Cunningham, Simpson, Black, Keatings, Kinninmonth, McBay, Bennett. Subs: Doctor, Healy, Allan, McNab.

Crossgates Primrose: Halliday, Reid, Murray, Kellichan, Deas, Hynd, McAteer, Henderson, Wood, Hynd, Rennie. Subs: Foster, Bernard, Kinnaird, Mahady.

Referee: Mr O.Kidd

Attendance: 132

Match statistics:
Attempts at goal - TH 10 CP 10
Attempts on target - TH 4 CP 3
Attempts blocked - TH 2 CP 1
Corners - TH 6 CP 8
Offside - TH 2 CP 3
Free kicks conceded - TH 9 CP 10
Yellow Cards - TH 0 CP 2
Red Cards - TH 0 CP 0

Statto's Corner:
* The Hibs have now won their last six matches in all competitions against Crossgates Primrose.
* This was the twelfth League meeting between the sides under Craig Gilbert - Gibby's record is now W9, D2, L1, GF30, GA14.
* Joe Kinninmonth netted his 25th League goal for the Hibs in 75 appearances.
* The win by a single goal was the 100th time this has happened under Craig Gilbert; 1-0 x31 times, 2-1 x40, 3-2 x17, 4-3 x8, 5-4 x2, 6-5 x2.