That was the final group stage match for the Hibees, who sit top of the group on seven points. However, if Falkirk pick up any points against Clyde on Saturday in their final match, the likelihood of progression in the competition is minimal.
Johnson’s men controlled the majority of the game, but it was the visitors who took the lead from the penalty spot. Ewan Henderson equalised in the 71st minute, however, we couldn’t carry that momentum to find a winning goal. The game was then decided on penalties as the cinch Championship side scored three of four spot kicks.
When speaking to Hibs TV after the game, Johnson gave his thoughts: “I’m really disappointed. There were some good elements to our performance today, but nowhere near enough.
“In the first half, we let them off the hook far too much with our lack of quality and detail in the final third. They worked extremely hard, they shut down, blocked crosses, but we didn’t work the ‘keeper enough; we had 19 shots and only three on target, which says it all.
“Second half, although we had really good control of the game, went from box to box really well, and Henderson was fantastic, we didn’t have the killer instinct or that edge in the final third; that’s what’s disappointing.
“We’ve got beaten in two games, including the penalties tonight, where we shouldn’t have got beat.
“For me, a lot is the start and the quality from the start. We show when we start well that we can be a really powerful team.”
Johnson admitted he’s “fully aware of the expectations” at a club like Hibs, who have progressed to the latter stages of cup competitions in recent years, and explained what the lads need to do to make this campaign a success.
“This is a new team, everyone is learning about each other, we haven’t quite built the relationships or partnerships and we have to be tougher.
"The lads have got to be tougher with each other and tell some home truths. On the pitch too because that pitch charisma and personality is what we need.
“If the Hibs fans are going to see the best of us and the best of us quickly, that’s what we need to accelerate.”
You can watch the full interview below on Hibs TV!
