Kennoway Star Hearts 0-1 Thornton Hibs

The away side got off to the perfect start with a goal inside the opening few minutes.

A long diagonal ball was played from left to right and it caught out the Kennoway back-line allowing Hibs to get a shot away.

The shot was saved by Swinton as he dived low to his right, however, Ireland was on hand to squeeze the ball over the line.

The Thornton defence were standing firm as they contested every tackle and aerial duel with some ferocity. The foul count was going up as the home pressure started to pin the Hibs back.

Band then tested Roberts in goal with a shot from twelve yards, the keeper saved comfortably and the ball was cleared.

Craig was a constant menace in attack for KSH and one snap shot from the edge of the area had Roberts scrambling.

Approaching the half hour mark Kennoway then saw a Bryce header sail over the bar quickly followed by the home side`s best chance of the game when Rolland saw his glancing header clawed away from the target when Roberts saved.

Two minutes later Doig should have done better but could only pull his left footed effort wide from an acute angle.

The second half started with a similar theme. Home side with a lot of the ball and a Thornton defensive set up that was looking strong in its organisation and work rate.

Two minutes into the second half Craig rose at the back post but again Roberts dealt with the header with another text book save.

Frustrations were building for KSH as they continued to try and break down a resolute Thornton.

Trying to create clear cut chances were few and far between and the next period of the game saw a midfield battle.

Despite their efforts KSH run out of time and the early goal turned out to be the only goal on the day

KSH: Swinton, Young, Doig, Bremner, Brewster, Band, Johnstone, Rolland, Craig, Collins, Bryce.

Subs: R.Muir, Lindsay, Watson, Mair, Paterson.

The next game is on September 8 at home to Whitburn.