Hibernian boss David Gray rues ‘extremely frustrating’ draw with Livingston

Hibernian manager David Gray insists the goalless draw with Livingston was an opportunity missed despite moving closer to Motherwell.

The Leith side dominated the game against the basement side, but lacked a cutting edge in attack.

Jamie McGrath twice hit the woodwork while substitute Josh Campbell wasted a good chance in the second half.

Hibs are now six points behind Motherwell in fourth spot – the last remaining automatic European qualifying berth – but Gray wanted to be closer ahead of next weekend’s trip to Fir Park.

He said: “It’s extremely frustrating and it feels like an opportunity missed.

“I thought the players had enough chances to win two games, we 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.

“We need to try and find that goal and we’ve done everything, but find it.

“That’s the bit that probably let us down, a wee bit of composure in the final third, that last action.

“Whether that be the choice of shot or just making sure that technically you’re sound to make sure we get the goal.

“Because if we’d got the goal, the game could have been completely changed. I think that’s clear.

“We do gain a point off the back of that so that is a positive to take from it.

“We have an opportunity, playing against a team directly above you, to try and cut that gap down.”

New Livingston manager Marvin Bartley was thrilled with his team’s display as they picked up a first clean sheet in 26 games, but is still searching for a first league win since August.

Bartley said: “I thought the players were absolutely brilliant and they gave me absolutely everything.

“We ask for that every single day, every game and we saw that today.

“Even the subs that came on gave us new energy and they had to be disciplined and they were that.

“The boys have been defending really, really well in games as well but obviously we have been conceding, which has been a disappointing thing.

“But to get a clean sheet and get a draw as well out of the game obviously sends us in the right direction.”

Bartley was also relieved the late penalty drama fell in his team’s favour after referee Lloyd Wilson reversed his decision to award Hibs a spot-kick in the 89th minute following a VAR review.

Mo Sylla clearly looked like he won the ball in chasing down Hibs forward Martin Boyle.

Bartley added: “I was rubbing my eyes because that decision’s up there.

“The problem for me is that one, it’s given so quickly after clearly he wins the ball, and the other thing is if you’re not in the top flight and you don’t have VAR, that’s going down as a penalty kick right at the end of the game.”