Away win for Thornton Hibs

Both teams began with intent at the Clayton Caravan Park Recreation Ground, and within the first five minutes, the Hibs had two shouts for handball ignored by the match official.

Connor Shaw in the Saints’ goal Indeed, produced a contender for save-of-the season from a Garry Thomson shot and the big ‘keeper also came under pressure at a couple of corners as he punched the ball clear.

Saints then opened the scoring against the run of play in the eleventh minute when Ross Cunningham flighted a delightful cross into the box with the outside of his left foot and Daryl Falconer cleverly lobbed the advancing Jordan Millar from twelve yards.

However, that goal did not upset Thornton’s rhythm as much as the home side would have liked and Shaw was forced into making further saves from former Saints Jamie McNeish and Jack Wilson.

The men in green and white therefore dominated possession as half time approached and they deservedly grabbed an equaliser in the 39th minute

In the thirty sixth minute Ian Shanks sent a fantastic cross in the direction of Garry Thomson, which he easily headed beyond St Andrews keeper, restoring balance before the first half was over.

The second half started in the same way as the first, with both teams re-organised and set on coming out on top.

McNab had a run up the park in the 52nd minute, sending the ball towards Jack Wilson who couldn’t find the control he needed and his volley went over the crossbar.

Thomson then sent a shot on an open goal wide as Thornton pushed for a winner.

On 84 minutes Elliot Ford played a through ball to Thomson whose attempt on goal was saved by Shaw.

But the striker wasn’t finished yet – as the ball ricocheted off the keeper’s outstretched leg, he scored a beautiful overhead kick to seal the match and the three points for the Hibs.

A minute later Max Coleman was introduced from the sub’s bench to make his landmark 100th appearance for Thornton.