The Hibees performed well in their first home game of the season and got the point they deserved as Martin Boyle slotted in from close range.
Following the match, and after regaining his voice from those final moments, Johnson gave his thoughts on the draw.
“It was a magic moment,” smiled our Manager.
“It was a frustrating second half, we huffed and we puffed but didn’t test Craig Gordon anywhere near enough.
“First half we were good, and I was disappointed to come in 1-0 down. The two goalkeepers were fantastic in terms of the saves they made.
“Given the point, and the goal at the end, it was a Derby that had everything.
“I think we can be better. Our technical players can be better, but I have to understand it’s a new team in our journey and some of the guys haven’t played in these before.”
Despite being a goal down, Hibs gave everything to try and find that equaliser, and Johnson again praised his side’s character and belief.
“We were brave as a team in that last 15 minutes really. We had corners, crosses flashing across the box but not enough action in and around the six-yard box. Rocky had a half decent chance three minutes into injury time, but we always felt we might get one more chance.
“The speed we’ve got it always a threat and we didn’t show that enough, so credit to them, and I think we overplayed or went too long at time, which is making good decisions.
“The speed of Elie Youan and Martin Boyle to get down the side and their sharpness in the box will be difficult for most teams to deal with.”
There were, once again, incredible scenes at the end of the game, something that delighted our Manager.
“Everyone has gone home with a vibe. You want to build a confidence, a belief, and credit with the fans, and in that final 30 seconds that vibe has gone from a bad one to an unbelievable one.
“Hopefully we can build on that and create some momentum. The fans were brilliant.”