'They underestimated us': Craig Gilbert on how Thornton Hibs stunned Sauchie Juniors

Thornton Hibs gaffer Craig Gilbert was a happy man after masterminding a 1-0 East of Scotland Football League Premier Division win at Sauchie Juniors last Saturday – just six weeks after Hibs had been battered 3-0 at home by the same opponents in the sides’ league opener.

The game’s only goal arrived on 57 minutes when Campbell Dowie headed in a Darren Orimiston cross, moving Hibs up to ninth in the table with 10 points from eight matches.

Craig Gilbert is delighted with his team's recent run of four consecutive wins without conceding a goal

placeholder image — Craig Gilbert is delighted with his team's recent run of four consecutive wins without conceding a goal

“We didn’t have the best of pre-seasons because guys were away on holiday and we were a wee bit unfit,” Gilbert said.

"We went to Sauchie on Saturday and I think they definitely underestimated us.

Thornton Hibs' celebrations after Campbell Dowie (number nine) goal at Sauchie Juniors

"I think they thought because they had scudded us 3-0 in the first game of the season, they were just going to get another three points off us.

"They would have thought it was 3-0 and easy street in the last game, but we played really well this time and our stats were really good.

"We had nine shots at goal and they had two. Our keeper only had one save to make the whole game.

"We had 16 boys there on Saturday which was better than having 12 or 13. We have options to come on.

Joe Kinninmonth on the break for Thornton Hibs at Sauchie Juniors

"We were unlucky not be be winning at half-time after creating two or three chances but then the goal was a good header.

"We played well in the second half on Saturday. It was a wee bit gusty but we coped with it well, defended well when we had to, went forward when we had to and got shots at goal. It was very pleasing.

"It’s good getting away wins and it’s got us up the table a bit and I’m very happy for the guys.”

Thornton continue their league campaign at fourth-placed Jeanfield Swifts this Saturday in a 2.30pm kick-off.

"We are playing against a team that hasn’t lost in the league this season,” Gilbert said. “They have won three and drawn three but in saying that, I don’t think they’re the Jeanfield they used to be.

"We’ll go up there with confidence, we’ll go up there knowing we have won our last four games without losing a goal and scoring 11.

"And that just breeds confidence into the players. We’re not scared of anybody in the league but you’ve got to perform like that every week, you can’t drop off.

"That’s the difference in this higher league.”