In a thrilling encounter at The Home of the Set Fare Arena on November 1, Livingston and Hibernian battled to a 2-2 draw, a result that echoed the contrasting fortunes both teams have faced in recent weeks. With Livingston currently hovering in the relegation zone and Hibernian competing for a spot in the upper half of the table, this match was essential for both sides.
The drama began just moments into the game when an early strike from Hibernian shocked the home crowd. A goal in the first minute put them ahead almost before the fans had settled into their seats. Livingston, desperate for points, quickly found themselves on the back foot. It was a bitter pill to swallow for a team already struggling, having faced a devastating 0-4 loss to Hibernian just weeks prior.
Yet, as the 30-minute mark approached, Livingston found their footing. Jeremy Bokila netted his second goal of the season in the 37th minute, skillfully leveling the score and sending the home fans into a frenzy. For Livingston, this goal was not merely a number on the scoreboard; it symbolized hope, a sign that perhaps the tide was beginning to turn for the beleaguered side.
The second half saw Hibernian come out with renewed intensity, and they reclaimed their lead just ten minutes into the half. Martin Boyle scored in the 55th minute, reminding everyone why Hibernian currently sits in 4th place in the league. His goal, which gave the visitors a 2-1 advantage, seemed to set the stage for a victory that would boost their campaign.
However, Livingston had other plans. The intensity of their play surged, showcasing the grit and determination that can sometimes emerge when the stakes are high. With just seconds left in regulation time, Graham Carey stepped up to the penalty spot and transformed the opportunity into a dramatic equalizer during injury time. The roar of the crowd reached a fever pitch as Livingston salvaged a point from the jaws of defeat.
This result places Livingston in 12th, with only six points to their name after ten matches, maintaining their position in the relegation zone. It is a sobering reflection of their season so far, despite the fight they showed on the pitch. Each point gained feels like a small victory in their battle to escape the drop zone.
On the other hand, Hibernian remains in 4th place with 14 points. For them, the draw serves as a missed opportunity to cement their place near the top and gain ground on their rivals. While they showed resilience throughout the match, the disappointment of not securing all three points will likely weigh heavily as they reflect on what could have been.
Looking ahead, Livingston travels to Falkirk next week, hoping to build on the momentum from this hard-fought draw. They desperately need to translate displays of heart into tangible results to escape their current predicament. Meanwhile, Hibernian will face St Mirren, needing a solid performance to restore confidence after dropping points in this match. Both teams, having navigated through the emotional rollercoaster of today's game, now find themselves at pivotal moments in their seasons, with plenty still at stake.