Livingston drew for the fourth consecutive game as Hibernian’s lack of end product saw them drop points to the bottom-placed side. The Edinburgh outfit struck the woodwork twice and were denied a last-minute penalty as both sides picked up a point in a goalless draw at Easter Road. Callum Mitchell reports.
David Gray made just one change to his side that drew 3-3 with Dundee FC, bringing in Ante Šuto to replace Dane Scarlett. The Croatian earned his spot in the starting eleven after scoring in Hibernian’s draw last weekend.
Marvin Bartley made five changes to his side that faced St. Mirren with Joel Nouble, Mohamad Sylla, Cameron Kerr, Steven May and Cristian Montano featuring from the start. This quintet replaced Ryan McGowan, Emmanuel Danso, Babacar Fati, Robbie Muirhead and Lewis Smith.
First Half
Hibernian dominated the possession for much of the early stages, but it would be Livingston that would come closest to opening the scoring in the first 10 minutes. A shot from May set up by Macauley Tait proved difficult for Raphael Sallinger in the Hibs net but his defence was on hand to clear.
Hibernian would continue to dominate possession but this would fail to lead to any significant chances until the 24th minute when Nicky Cadden’s pass found Jamie McGrath. His initial shot was blocked but the follow up struck the bar. This would be the best opportunity for either side of the first half as they entered half-time goalless.
Second Half
Livingston approached the second half in a much more positive manner. However, Hibernian would soon recover control of possession and their first opportunity of the second half came just five minutes in. A cross from Dan Barlaser found Cadden at the back post but he was unable to direct the ball on target.
Shortly after, a curling effort from McGrath struck the far post, frustrating the Irishman for the second time in the game as he battled to reach 10 goals for the season.
With this, a growing restlessness began to build from the home crowd as missed opportunities piled up and Livingston gained more possession of the ball. To respond to this, Gray brought on Scarlett and Martin Boyle, whilst Bartley introduced Muirhead to the game.
A low curling shot from the latter flew narrowly passed the far post which signified a growing confidence in the away side’s play.
Hibernian continued to be the dominant force however, and with fewer than ten minutes left to play, Gray’s side had their best opportunity of the game. The ever-present Cadden crossed the ball towards Scarlett but his search for a first Hibs goal continued as his effort was brilliantly pushed away by Prior. The following rebound presented an even better opportunity for Josh Campbell, but he failed to keep his strike down from 5 yards out.
The groans from the home fans continued to increase in volume, but for a moment they were replaced with cheers as Boyle found himself bearing down on goal in the final minute of regulation time. The forward was subsequently brought down in the box and the referee pointed for a penalty.
However, the Hibernian crowd would see a VAR decision overrule the penalty, bringing a round of boos onto Easter Road.
The pressure continued to mount on Livingston as Hibs attacked in the five minutes stoppage time, but Bartley’s side stood firm to earn a fourth consecutive draw and a first clean sheet in 26 games.
Post Match
Gray was frustrated following the full-time whistle and believed his side had done enough to earn the victory.
He said: “I thought the players had enough chances to win two games, dominated every single metric in terms of possession, shots, everything that comes with that. The bit that was missing was putting the ball in the net.”
Hibernian had 75% possession and 22 shots to Livingston’s 6. Gray justifiably voiced his disappointment at the result.
He said: “It’s extremely frustrating. It feels like an opportunity missed.”
Warren O’Hora echoed his manager’s concerns as Hibs failed to score for the first time in four matches.
He said: “I didn’t think it was a bad performance of any sort it was just missing that end bit of putting the ball over the line which is what football is about.”
“When a team puts eleven behind the ball just outside the box it is hard.”
Bartley was far more positive after seeing his side earn a point away from home.
He said: “I thought the players were absolutely brilliant. They gave me absolutely everything, that’s all we ask of them every single day, every game, and we saw that today.”
The former Hibs man turned Livingston manager believed his team were making progress and spoke positively about their upturn in form.
He said: “it’s our second clean sheet of the season; we’re heading in the right direction. Obviously, we’re making ourselves more difficult to beat.”
He continued: “I couldn’t be prouder of the players. It was not just the goalkeeper and the back three that earned that clean sheet, it’s absolutely everybody.”
Hibernian will travel to Motherwell next week who sit just one place above them. A win there could see the Edinburgh side go just 3 points behind fourth place.
Livingston meanwhile will head to second last Kilmarnock. This bottom of the table clash could present Bartley’s side with their best opportunity to get their first win since the second game of this season back in August.
