Hibernian supporters have been fortunate this season to have seen some cracking games of football at Easter Road. This was not one of them. The squally weather swirling around the stadium was remarkably similar to the spectacle on the pitch - few bright periods.

Hibs moved away from their now familiar 3-5-2 formation for this fixture, although the normal eleven players started the match. Instead Hibs lined up in a 3-4-3 with Latapy wide right in the offence alongside Paatelainen and Zitelli.

I would never normally question Alex McLeish’s tactical decisions but for the life of me, I could not understand what Latapy was doing out on the right touchline. Every time he received the ball, with the inevitable close marker, he could do nothing but pass it straight back. For a player of his ability to spend two thirds of the match doing that seemed a criminal waste – it was not until late in the game that he finally started to wander further afield. When I got back home from this match, I put on my newly purchased video of the 6-2 derby to cheer me up, and when you see what Latapy did from a central midfield role just behind the front two in that match, you will understand my consternation.

Kilmarnock came to play a tight sitting game as expected and hoped to hit Hibs with quick breaks. As it happened, Hibs were not too successful at pushing Kilmarnock back and the game developed into a turgid midfield battle with very few chances and very little to get excited about. This is the third time the teams have met already this season and this match certainly added strength to the argument that over familiarity in Scottish football kills the spectacle.

Hibs probably had the best of the first half and went in at half-time with a 1-0 lead, courtesy of a Paatelainen strike. The goal was certainly a beauty with Zitelli making a great overlapping run down the left wing and swinging in the perfect cross for Mixu to attack at the front post. The big Finn got there ahead of Marshall in the Killie goal and toe poked the ball into the net.

Kilmarnock had one great chance in the first half when McLaren intercepted a slack pass from Sauzee and homed in on Colgan. Fortunately for Hibs, the Killie striker overran the ball and the Hibs keeper was able to dive at his feet and take the ball.

If I am being honest then I would have to admit that the visitors probably had the best of the second half. Our one real chance fell to Paatelainen who did not realise how much time he had and rushed his effort. After this, Sauzee went off injured to be replaced by Ian Murray with an ensuing reshuffle. Gary Smith took Sauzee’s central role, Fenwick switched from left to right, Laursen took Fenwick’s slot and Murray played at left wing back. Paatelainen also went off injured to be replaced by Lehmann.

After this, it did look like Hibs were happy to hold on. Kilmarnock showed a little more urgency as Hibs lost their shape, though they still carved out few opportunities – the best effort being a shot from substitute Dargo which missed the post by about a foot. That is why the equaliser was hard to take. It had the feeling of coming out of the blue although the strike from ex-Hibee, Paul Wright, was a screamer that left Colgan with no chance.

There were about five minutes left at this point but there were no signs of a response from Hibs – or Killie for that matter – as the teams played out the draw.

Hibs Team 3-4-3

Subs not used : Franks, Andrews, McManus