'Patience remains the key' for Hibs supporters

Another late goal conceded, another two points dropped – a scenario that has become all too familiar for Hibernian this season.

That's 10 draws in the Premiership so far, four of which saw the team leading at some stage, making the pattern of frustration hard to swallow.

Yet when the broader picture is considered, there are encouraging signs. Last season Hibs finished third with 58 points and secured European football.

This term, despite currently sitting fifth, they have already recorded 12 wins and have 46 points with nine matches still to play – putting them on course to potentially surpass last year's tally.

There is a strong argument that, under David Gray, the team is progressing. Year-on-year improvement is evident, even if the immediate results sometimes test patience.

This campaign has been unlike any in recent memory. Few would have predicted Hearts would top the table in mid-March, or that Motherwell would be title contenders.

For Hibs, a closer challenge to the summit would have been ideal, but patience remains the key.

Looking ahead, the four matches before the split are eminently winnable. Livingston and Kilmarnock visit Easter Road, while Hibs face trips to Motherwell and Aberdeen. With the January recruits beginning to showcase their quality, a target of nine to 12 points is realistic.

Achieving that would allow Hibs to enter the final five matches with confidence and capable of influencing the title race while not giving up hope of catching Motherwell in fourth.