Hibs made hard work of their final Premier Sports Cup group D match against Championship side Morton, drawing 1-1 and losing a penalty shootout that leaves their knockout round hopes slim to none.
It was a tame first half with very little to shout about in terms of attacking chances. Lewis Miller flashed an impressive shot past the post but that's all Hibs really offered against a stern Ton side who were not going to go quietly from Easter Road.
New signing Jair Tavares was brought off the bench at half-time for his debut to try and liven up an otherwise dull affair. The home side's night was about to get more desperate, though.
Morton threw bodies forward and eventually Grant Gillespie converted a spot-kick from 12 yards out after Cameron Blues' cross was blocked by the hands of Joe Newell according to referee Euan Anderson, following a fine save from David Marshall initially in the Hibees net. Chris Cadden claimed for a penalty at the other end as home attempts for salvation grew more desperate every minute.
READ MORE: Josh Doig explains his Hibs exit and the Aaron Hickey chat that helped sell him on Serie A transfer
Eventually Ewan Henderson calmed nerves with a simple finish but the rush for a winner was still on, not to be found ultimately. It ensures Hibs finish their section on seven points and in need of miracles from elsewhere after more dropped points against lower league opposition, sitting on seven currently with Morton victorious from 12 yards. Here are three things we learned.
Cup exit
Some huge favours are needing handed out if Hibs are to progress from this competition now, but that looks a long shot with nine teams able to finish better off. Even a win couldn't guarantee last 16 passage for the 2021 finalists but dropped points definitely don't.
The three best runners-up head to the last 16 and Hibs finish up on. So, they need Falkirk to lose against Clyde to come out on top. Failing that, they need an unlikely chain of results to go through as one of the best runners-ups.
The odds are stacked against them but never say never.
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Tavares impressions
It's been a bit of a delayed debut in competitive action but one nonetheless for Hibs' new number 10, Tavares. The import from Benfica was brought on at half-time as Johnson sought attacking spark.
In the first 60 seconds he showed some nice skills and pressed aggressively but soon was given an introduction to Scottish football's physicality.
Quartet review
It's been an up and down first four games in charge for Johnson to say the least. The first was impressive as they ran up five goals in the first half against third tier Clyde.
The Bully Wee's league rivals proved tougher as Falkirk stunned Hibs 1-0, before a return to form for a fine 4-1 win at SPFL newcomers Bonnyrigg Rose.
They weren't at the races for the first hour here and eventually the shock of going behind dragged them back into proceedings, although ultimately it's still a poor night. Johnson's new team are still gelling and that's apparent 10 days from Premiership kick-off away at St Johnstone.
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