Hibs let a two-goal lead slip and had to settle for a share of the points against Falkirk at the Falkirk Stadium tonight.
Hibs head coach David Gray made two changes to the starting XI that lost to Rangers on Saturday.
Dan Barlaser made his first start in place of Dylan Levitt, and Warren O’Hora replaced Grant Hanley.
Falkirk boss John McGlynn made one alteration from Saturday’s defeat by St Mirren at the weekend.
Ethan Williams made his first start for the Bairns, replacing Scott Arfield in midfield.
Falkirk started on the front foot and Calvin Miller’s was headed back towards goal by Ross MacIver. Ethan Williams managed to get a foot on it to force the save from Raphael Salinger.
Leon McCann was lucky to escape punishment for a late challenge on Miguel Chaiwa deep into his own half. Referee Callum Scott played advantage but Hibs couldn’t make anything of it.
Jordan Obita then gave away possession and the ball fell to Ross MacIver, who tried his luck but Sallinger pulled off the save.
Hibs then won a corner which Jamie McGrath hit towards the back post and Scott Bain managed to save Kieron Bowie’s header.
The Falkirk keeper quickly found Ethan Williams who jinked past Nicky Cadden but fired his shot straight at Sallinger.
Hibs then started to dominate possession and Martin Boyle sent a great ball towards the back post but Bowie’s header didn’t trouble Bain in the Falkirk goal.
In the 18th minute Bowie teed up Boyle but his shot was straight at Bain.
Moments later Hibs should have scored after a mistake by the Falkirk defence. Bain gave the ball away cheaply trying to pass out from his own box. Bowie latched on to it but Bain did well to get back to his feet quickly and managed to keep the ball out.
In the 27th minute referee Callum Scott was called over to the monitor to check a possible Ethan Williams handball from a volleyed cross. After a check he awarded the penalty.
Boyle took responsibility and made no mistake from 12-yards to the delight of the travelling supporters at the other end.
Hibs continued to press forward looking to add to their lead and Barlaser tried his luck from distance, but his effort was too high.
Bowie was harshly shown a yellow card for a clumsy challenge on Bain before Hibs added a second in the 42nd minute.
Bowie’s initial shot was blocked by Keelan Adams inside his own box and the ball fell to Jamie McGrath who spun beyond the Falkirk defenders and sent his strike into the bottom corner.
But the Bairns fought back and pulled one back in stoppage time when Ross MacIver fired home a cross from Williams.
Hibs had an early penalty claim when Boyle was brought down inside the area but the linesman’s flag was raised in the build up.
Miguel Chaiwa required treatment after an accidental challenge but was able to carry on.
On the hour mark Bowie was replaced by Thibault Klidje.
Moments later the hosts equalised when Liam Henderson headed home a cross from Williams after a short corner.
Salinger was called into action and did well to save a MacIver effort.
Dylan Tait, MacIver and Calvin Miller were replaced by Scott Arfield, Alfredo Agyeman and Brian Graham.
Chris Cadden and Junior Hoilett replaced Boyle and Chaiwa with 12-minutes remaining.
Josh Campbell and Levitt replaced McGrath and Barlaser for the last four minutes.
The home side dominated the remainder of the game but were unable to find a winner.
Hibs next two games are away to champions Celtic and city rivals Hearts.
Falkirk: Bain, Adams, McCann, Henderson, Spencer, MacIver, Neilson, Cartwright, Tait, Williams, Miller.
Substitutes: Hogarth, Oliver, Graham, Agyeman, Allan, Arfield, Lissah, Samuel-Ogunsuyi, Hart.
Hibs: Sallinger, O’Hora, Bowie, Boyle, Chaiwa, McGrath, N Cadden, Mulligan, Obita, Barlaser, Rocky.
Substitutes: Smith, Hanley, Levitt, C Cadden, Iredale, Klidje, Hoilett, Campbell, Molotnikov.
