HIBS HORROR SHOW...

EVERYBODY loves the play-offs. But Hibs’ attachment to these end-of-season eliminators is surely bordering on the unhealthy with three successive — but unsuccessful, so far — campaigns. As ever-presents since the introduction of the format in season 2013-14, Hibs should be experts by now. Here, Sportsmail breaks down the story so far.

YEAR ONE

Dragged down into 11th spot at the very death, Hibs were thrown into a play-off against a Hamilton side who had only just missed out on the Championship title and battled past Falkirk in the semi-final. Terry Butcher’s men won 2-0 at New Douglas Park, the away players celebrating as if the job had been done. They then lost an early goal at home — and were shattered by an equaliser three minutes into injury time. Jason Cummings missed the decisive penalty in the shoot-out and Hibs were down.

YEAR TWO

Hibs seemed to have done the hard part by finishing second to champions Hearts. But they fell short in the semifinals this time, losing 2-0 at Ibrox to Rangers — who had come through their tie with Queen of the South — and were then only able to win 1-0 at Easter Road. The fact they had to wait until injury time for even that consolation goal reflected the gap between the sides.

YEAR THREE

Well now. Hibs’ run of exits couldn’t go final, semi-final, quarter-final, could it? Having missed out on second place to Falkirk on the final weekend, Hibs probably thought playing Raith was no more than an extra two games and likely no real threat. Rovers soaked up loads of pressure and put plenty of doubt into Hibs’ hearts with their 1-0 first leg win in Kirkcaldy though. If Hibs don’t turn around that deficit, their ‘fondness’ for the play-offs surely won’t last.

THE RESULTS SO FAR

2013-14 Scottish Premiership play-off final, 1st leg: Hamilton 0 HIBERNIAN 2 2nd leg: HIBERNIAN 0 Hamilton 2 Agg: 2-2 Hamilton win 4-3 penalties 2014-15 Scottish Premiership play-off semi final, 1st leg: Rangers 2 HIBERNIAN 0 2nd leg: HIBERNIAN 1 Rangers 0 Agg: Rangers win 2-1 2015-16 Scottish Premiership play-off quarter final, 1st leg: Raith Rovers 1 HIBERNIAN 0