Match reporter: JOHN LAING

This East of Scotland Qualifying Cup Fourth Round game was the first ever time these clubs had met with John Soutar's second-half strike ultimately being the difference between the sides.

In the first-half both teams enjoyed plenty of possession but stout defending meant that neither 'keeper had any saves of note to make.

It was Soutar who eventually broke the deadlock in the 67th minute as he volleyed home Murray Black's perfect cross at the back post.

Thereafter it has to be said that the Hibs defence, particularly in the dying minutes, were by far the busier but there was no more scoring allowing Thornton to ease into the draw for the fifth round.

Sunnydale Executive Travel/ Station Hotel Hibs Man of the Match: John Soutar

Thornton Hibs: Jarrett, Rodger, Hain, Shanks, Cunningham, Adam, Black, Allan, McCallion, Thomson, Soutar. Subs: McMillan, Coleman, Jolicoeur, McNab, Keatings.

Hutchison Vale: Samuel, Herd, Cross, Macdonald, Maxwell, Wringe, Stewart, Signorini, Walton, Wilson-Need, Davidson. Subs: Lovell, Harrison, Paxton, Kothari, Morrison.

Referee: Mr S.McLelland

Attendance: 112

Statto's Corner:
* Andrew McCallion made his 50th appearance for the Hibs. Was unable to add to his 22 career goals, but still has a very healthy return of a goal every 148 minutes of play.
* This was our first ever match against Hutchison Vale and they became the 100th different club against which Craig Gilbert has managed.
* Macaulay Jarrett recorded his third clean sheet of the season in his 11th appearance.
* The Hibs have yet to concede a goal in this season's Qualifying Cup after the 3-0 win against Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts in the Second Round and the 2-0 victory against Coldstream in the Third Round.