Newburgh started the game brighter than their hosts and in 5 minutes Lee Sweeney brought off a brilliant double save to keep the visitors at bay. Thistle continued to press, as the city side struggled with the pace of their opponents. In 11 minutes Silva broke clear but his shot from the edge of the box flew harmlessly over the bar. It took Hermes 18 minutes to create a chance but McKenzie headed an Alexander corner over the bar.

Thirty minutes gone and Hermes now had a head of steam up and after a flowing move Dawson’s powerful drive flew across goal with the Thistle keeper beaten. Just as the home team were getting into the game a switch off at the back gave Newburgh another chance which ended with MUIRHEAD heading home at the near post. Ten minutes later a poor home clearance came straight back into the box for DEANS to fire home off the post

Half Time: Hermes 0 – 2 Newburgh Thistle

Hermes started brighter in the second half and in the 57th minute they opened their 2018 account when STEVENSON met a Dawson cross and powered it home. The city side were dominant at this point but it did not last and in the 80th minute DEANS again broke clear and slotted the ball past Sweeney from close range.

Full Time: Hermes 1 - 3 Newburgh Thistle

There can be no doubt that Newburgh deserved this victory. They were more skilful, determined and pacier than their hosts who must be ready to up their performance next week against Buckie to advance in the GA Trophy.