Sunday November 2nd 2025
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Ewan Hornell
The third Livingston Hibs match up of the season was a significant one for both sides. Livingston looked for their first win since Falkirk in August and gain some valuable points as they try to move off the bottom of the league. For Hibs a win would have seen them regain momentum after an agonising loss to Rangers midweek and reestablish their hunt for a top 3 finish.
It took a mere 17 seconds for Hibs to open the scoring when a long ball was headed down by Hibs striker Thibault Klidje into the path of Jamie McGrath. McGrath hit a wonderful left footed volley into the back of the net via the post to put Hibs in front before fans even had time to digest their pre-match pints.
And through the first 5 minutes it seemed it would be a one sided affair with Hibs forward line applying pressure to the hosts. However, despite their bright start it was the home side who dominated the half from there onwards.
On 15 minutes a short free kick was worked to the right hand side and a miss hit cross from Livingstons Lewis Smith was palmed away by the Hibs Goalkeeper. That was followed a few minutes later by another opportunity for the men in bright yellow as Stevie May flicked on a header that was finished tidily by Scott Pitman. However, a foul in the build up by Livingstons Jeremy Bokila was spotted by the ref and the goal was ruled out before celebrations could begin.
A few half chances followed from Livingston with Lewis Smith being a constant threat down the right hand side. Centrally the physical battle between Livingston Striker, Jeremy Bokila and Hibs Defender, Rocky Bushiri, was one that entertained all afternoon.
After sustained pressure throughout the half Livingston were rewarded in the 37th minute when Jeremy Bokila found the back of the net. A surging run from Joshua Brenet, drove Livingston forward, the ball made its way wide before finally finding Bokila in the box who tucked the ball into the back of the net for his 3rd goal of the season. Leaving the score 1-1 as the half-time whistle sounded.
Livingston’s first half dominance dwindled in the second, as Hibs came out controlling the tempo and possession.
In the 55th minute a powerful run forward from Hibs’, Miguel Chaiwa, led to Josh Mulligan receiving the ball and finding Martin Boyle, who finished dutifully provided the finish for Hibs and putting them back in front.
Livingston attempted to rally as they did in the first half but unlike the first Hibs still looked the more dangerous of the two sides.
A ball in behind Grant Hanley in the 72nd minute let Livingstons danger man, Bokila, in on goal. His touch led him slightly wide and as he drew his leg back to strike a well-timed, last ditch tackle from Bushiri in the box denied the Livingston man from finding a second and drawing the game level.
Livingston were not to be denied for long. A squandered chance from substitute Tete Yengi was quickly forgotten as in the 88th minute Livingston were awarded a penalty from a corner for handball via VAR.
Initially the handball claims were shooed away by referee, Calum Scott, but after a delay in play he was called over to the screen to check the decision. Tension built, Scott stepped away from the screen, blew his whistle and pointed to the spot much to the delight of the home crowd.
Up stepped substitute, Graham Carey, who rifled home the penalty into the top corner despite the best efforts of the Hibs Goalkeeper. Even with his lack of game time this season, David Martindale praised Carey and his attitude post-match stating,
“I was delighted for Graham… he’s never chapped the door, never caused me a minutes hassle.”
The controversy didn’t stop post-match as what seemed like a moment brushed aside in the game, a disallowed Kieron Bowie goal, highlighted a potential VAR error. Still images indicate an extremely tight call. David Gray in post-match comments voiced his confusion,
“Need to be explained on where they have drew the lines and why they’ve drawn them where they have because it looks pretty onside to me.”
Gray did state however, that despite decisions from officials he felt his side ultimately weren’t good enough to win.
A 2-2 draw will leave Livingston feeling they have gained a point on their quest for survival with Hibs feeling they have lost two.
A disappointing week comes to an end for David Gray’s side as they look to bounce back against St Mirren next Saturday. Whilst for Livingston they’ll be hoping to use this result to build towards their clash with Falkirk.
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