Anderson scored his seventh league goal of the seasonImage source, SNS
Image caption,

Bruce Anderson scored his seventh league goal of the season

Hibernian caretaker manager David Gray believes he is "ready" for the top job, after his side signed off a disappointing league season with a draw at already-relegated Livingston.

After a sleep-inducing first-half in the West Lothian sun, Myziane Maolida put Hibs ahead four minutes after the break as he buried a loose ball on the edge of the area.

But there was to be a nice end to Bruce Anderson's Livingston story, with the departing striker tucking home a Joel Nouble cross to level.

Afterwards Gray, who has taken interim charge for the fourth time after Nick Montgomery was sacked, and told BBC Scotland he is ready to take the job.

"I'd always back my ability," he said. "I've been asked to do a job, which is now done. Over the next few days, we'll find out what's happening.

"I feel I've gained a lot of experience, always in difficult situations. I was learning the whole time, piecing it all together and implementing what a successful Hibs team could look like."

Already destined for the Championship, Livingston finished 10 points behind 11th-placed Ross County, while managerless Hibs finished eighth.

The deadest of dead rubbers, with all eyes on focused on Lanarkshire and Dingwall, it was easy to forget that Hibs and Livingston were limping to the finish line elsewhere.

There wasn't a lot of quality on show, with more attention turned to the storylines surrounding both clubs - Livingston having already fallen through the trap door, a gaping chasm between Hibs and their fanbase after recent weeks.

There two shots on target in the first half, only one of them notable.

Michael Nottingham powered a header at goal after rising at the back post, but Jojo Wollacott produced a phenomenal save to deny the defender.

Maolida awoke the travelling support early in the second half, firing the ball into the corner when he had a second bite of the cherry from the edge of the area.

They didn't create much else though and it was Anderson - a player much-loved by David Martindale - who looked most threatening on the pitch.

The striker got the leveller when Nottingham had drawn two defenders, leaving Anderson unmarked and free to finish past Wollacott.

He had another chance when he seemingly sprung the offside trap, showing composure to ripple the net again - but the offside flag went up and after a lengthy VAR check, no goal was the verdict.

Player of the match - Bruce Anderson (Livingston)

Image source, SNS
Image caption,

Where will 'Wee Brucie' end up? The little striker has plenty of suitors after a fine few seasons in West Lothian.

Journey comes to an end for both sides - analysis

These teams will both look very different next season.

More than half of Livingston's squad are out of contract, with Anderson and Nouble already confirmed to depart. They will not be the last to go.

Although some will be happy to see Livingston go, they have given plenty memorable moments in the top flight. Will they be back? It is hard to tell.

As for Hibs, they might have a new man at the helm. Then again, they might not.

Caretaker David Gray - a man knighted by Hibs fans due to his cup-winning heroics - might be tempted throw his hat into the ring, but the strength of his case for the top job remains hard to gauge.

Paul Hanlon and Lewis Stevenson are certainly on their way out, and the job for whoever becomes manager is to find two leaders to replace them.

The club feels disconnected from the fans right now. They have to re-establish that connection over the summer.

What they said

Media caption,

Livingston manager David Martindale: "It was an even game. Chances for chances, it was about even and I don't think there was much more in the game.

"It's common knowledge that I'm in with the people at the football club, in with the bricks and mortar, and if that changes I'm happy to shake everybody's hand and move on. I'd like to still be here but it's out of my hands."

Hibernian caretaker manager David Gray: "Credit to Livingston. They force you to defend from everywhere, but we were poor on the ball for the first 15 minutes and showed good resilience.

"Both teams didn't want to lose, rather than wanted to win it. Did we do enough to win the game? Maybe, but a point each is probably fair."

Media caption,