Hibernian 3-2 Livingston
- Published
Martin Boyle fired the ball home from an angle to draw Hibs level at 2-2
Anthony Stokes scored the crucial spot-kick as Hibernian beat Livingston in a five-goal thriller to reach the semi-finals of the League Cup.
Livi took the lead through Alan Lithgow's header but Danny Swanson's first Hibs goal drew the hosts level.
Raffaele De Vita's fine turn and finish sent Livi ahead again but Martin Boyle squared it before the break.
With extra time looming, Livi's Nikolay Todorov brought down Paul Hanlon in the box and Stokes fired home the penalty.
Both sides made a host of changes for this one and the home side made the brighter start to proceedings, with Boyle and Stokes having shots blocked by Nikolay Todorov and Craig Halkett.
Alan Lithgow gave Livingston an early lead with a towering header
Livi goalkeeper Neil Alexander was then called upon to save from a Stokes header that looked destined for the bottom corner.
Hibs' recent problems have been at the back and those frailties were exposed by Livi on their first foray forward. De Vita floated in a free-kick and Lithgow rose above the defence to power in a header that gave goalkeeper Ross Laidlaw no chance.
Danny Swanson made the move from St Johnstone to his boyhood heroes in the summer and after a spell of persistent pressure he brought his side level. Boyle used his pace to drive down the right hand side and his cross was perfect for Swanson, who swept the ball high into the roof of the net.
Livingston came into the match having not lost on their travels in 2017, and after another lapse in concentration from the home defence they regained the lead.
Nicky Cadden, celebrating his 21st birthday, sent a simple cross into the box and after both Efe Ambrose and Steven Whittaker failed to clear, De Vita pounced with a stunning shot that went in off the underside of the bar.
Danny Swanson's first goal for Hibs brought the home side level at 1-1.
The murmurings of discontent from the home fans could be heard inside the stadium but the Hibernian strikers continued to pile forward and once again they drew level.
Boyle played in Stokes before continuing his run into the box where he collected the return pass before driving the ball low beyond the advancing Alexander.
Livingston were well organised in the second half and some stern defending kept the home strikers at bay until a crucial mistake with only seven minutes left on the clock.
Dylan McGeouch won the ball in midfield and played in the advancing Hanlon. The challenge by Livi's Todorov was rash and the Hibernian player tumbled, with referee Bobby Madden instantly pointing to the spot.
Stokes drove the ball home with ease from the 12 yard mark to send the home fans happy in the knowledge they will be in Thursday evening's semi-final draw.
Stokes scored from the spot to send Hibs into the last four of the League Cup
- Published18 September 2017
