The Hibs miracle needed to avoid Premier Sports Cup elimination after damaging Morton draw

By any standards, Hibs’ Premier Sports Cup group stage campaign has not gone well. Lee Johnson will have seen these early competitive games as a chance to rack up some goals and implement his own style after replacing Shaun Maloney in the summer.

Things went to plan initially with a 5-0 home won over Clyde that included a Christian Doidge hat-trick. Then the wheels came off at Falkirk. Aiden Nesbitt’s first half goal was enough to give the League One side all three points, leaving the Hibees needing a favour from someone else if they wanted to top the group. They took care of business against SPFL new boys Bonnyrigg Rose with a 4-1 victory at New Dundas Park on Sunday.

But there was a damaging slip up against Greenock Morton at Easter Road on Wednesday night. Grant Gillespie fired ‘Ton ahead just after the hour from the penalty spot. Ewan Henderson levelled things up ten minutes later, but the hosts failed to find a winner before full-time and were taken to a penalty shoot-out for a bonus point that could have proved crucial.

But success from the spot has been lacking in this competition. Star signing Aiden McGeady sent an effort wide against Bonnyrigg at the weekend, and failed to convert in last night’s shoot-out. He wasn't the only one, as Hibs missed their first three penalties and the Cappielow outfit took the extra point.

The result has sparked an angry reaction from fans. Some of Johnson’s new signings are still awaiting work permits. Elie Youan can’t play until his is rubber stamped, while new Croatian left back Marijan Cabraja may not receive his until after the Premiership season kicks off.

Of more immediate concern is the very real possibility of crashing out of the League Cup. Hibs actually top Group D,