Thornton dash ‘Frew Scottish Cup hopes

Red cards stop Clark and Ferry’s men in their tracks

THORNTON HIBS.......................2 RENFREW.....................................0 Nine - man Renfrew crashed out of the Scottish Cup after being stunned by Thornton Hibs at Stark’s Park.

Colin Clark and Martin Ferry’s men had enjoyed something of a welcome distraction in the competition up until Saturday.

Goalkeeper Dale Burgess was sent off in the first half but it was Jamie Benton’s second-half red that stopped them firmly in their tracks despite the motivation of a spot in the last 16 awaiting the winner.

The clash was played in the unfamiliar surroundings of professional outfit Raith Rovers’ Stark’s Park after Thornton Hibs’ ground had struggled with the recent winter weather.

It could be argued that ‘Frew were overawed by playing in the grand old stadium as they struggled to get going straight from kick-off.

The hosts quickly went ahead in the 19th minute when Ben Anthony showcased a turn of skill to get beyond Renfrew defender Gregor Wylie before firing low into the bottom corner to give Burgess no chance.

Garry Thomson then came close to double the lead but his header flew over the bar as Renfrew failed to deal with the Hibs threat.

Their task was made all the more difficult minutes before the break after Burgess brought down Thomson – with Danny McLeay coming on in between the sticks.

It was almost as though the visitors were happy to play without the pressure, and they looked to take the game to Hibs as the second half wore on.

McLeay was also on hand at the other end to make a fine save from Thomson before Anthony cracked the bar with a strike that had the stopper beaten.

Defender Robert Campbell had to be at his best to block a drive from Andy Adam, before the Hibs striker’s next effort landed on the roof of the goal.

But ‘Frew’s luck was out in 72 minutes when Benton was shown red to all but end Renfrew’s hopes of a win.

And there was a sigh of relief from the hosts’ dugout when in 84 minutes they finally found their second of the day.

Anthony was on hand to bundle home from close range, to ensure they face Kilwinning Rangers in the next round.

Thornton Hibs: Linton, Robertson, A Drummond, S Drummond, Millar, Orrock, McNab, Hepburn, Anthony, Thomson, Adam.

Subs: Shields, Crichton, Ireland, Hoskisson, Wilson.

Renfrew: Burgess, Wylie, O’Keefe, Healy, Campbell, McIntosh, Maxwell, Benton, McKenna, Morton, Dallas.

Subs: Borris, Innes, McGillion, Hardie, McLeay.