It was 2-0 Livi on this day in 2004 when they faced Hibs in the CIS Cup Final, but the Lions had to settle for a scoreless draw at Easter Road this afternoon, with a last minute VAR call actually going their way for once.

Hibs nudge closer to Motherwell but will know they missed a big opportunity to get closer to their rivals for fourth place and a guaranteed European spot before the pair meet at Fir Park next weekend.

The hosts had 21 shots and 12 corners as they failed to find a way past goalkeeper Jerome Prior and his determined defenders.

Jamie McGrath hit the crossbar with a rising shot after his first effort had been blocked.

The Irish midfielder came close again when his deflected strike squirmed under Prior, with the goalkeeper managing to stick out a hand to stop the ball crossing the line.

Owen Elding and Warren O’Hora threatened with headers as Hibs ended the first half with 80% possession.

Livingston were content to sit deep, although Stevie May and Joel Nouble did test Raphael Sallinger with first-half shots and Nouble later made a mess of a two-against-one break.

McGrath struck a post just before the hour following a neat pick-out from Nicky Cadden.

Martin Boyle could not connect with a Felix Passlack cross in front of goal, then Prior pushed a Dane Scarlett shot into the path of Josh Campbell only for the substitute to crash the ball high over the target from close range.

Referee Lloyd Wilson awarded Hibs a late penalty when Boyle tumbled under a tackle from Mo Sylla but quickly changed the decision after reviewing the incident.

Livingston manager Marvin Bartley: “The boys gave me everything. That’s all I expect, to get 100%, and I’m definitely getting that from the starters and all of the subs.

“As long as every player and every staff member continues to give everything, we have a fantastic chance to get out of this situation.”

Match report: Colin Moffat

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