Demetri Mitchell urges Hibs to bounce back in derby as he reflects on 'mixed feelings' in Livingston loss

Demetri Mitchell’s late run placed him in the perfect position at the right time to slam home Chris Cadden’s cross at the back post. The 25-year-old was one of the Easter Road side’s most potent attacking threats until he tired midway through the second period and while it didn’t help Hibs’ cause as they surrendered their half-time lead, the former Blackpool man was one of few positives on a frustrating day in Leith.

“It was great to get a goal so early in my career here, especially in front of the fans at home, but the most important thing was the result and we never got that,” a crestfallen Mitchell said afterwards.

“It was a good start. We played some good football in the first half, but it was a game of two halves and it’s definitely not the result we were looking for.

“We came out after the break – I think they might have changed a few things tactically – but we were undone by two set pieces. That’s disappointing,” the wingback said, echoing his manager’s post-match comments.

“I never saw as much of the ball second half; they pressed a bit higher and made it difficult. The second half didn’t go to plan. But it’s a work in progress.”

Shaun Maloney and midfielder Joe Newell have both spoken recently about the progress being made at the club under the new regime. Hibs still look a little lightweight in attack but three goals is the most the side has conceded since the former Belgium No.2 arrived and Mitchell agreed that defensively, the team has to do better.

“It was disappointing to concede the goals we did, especially one of them coming from a throw in as well. But we are a work in progress. It’s something we need to keep working on, ironing out the little mistakes.”

There is the small matter of an Edinburgh derby on