Marc Libbra ensured that Hibs would go into the interval on level terms with Kilmarnock after his goal cancelled out Christophe Cocard's earlier strike.

Killie were looking to secure a Uefa Cup place and started well after Cocard had the first chance of the game after three minutes, only for the shot to deflect wide off Franck Sauzee.

Hibs retaliated three minutes later and Libbra's cross into the box was met by Tom McManus but goalkeeper Colin Meldrum managed to block.

Killie came close again after seven minutes when Andy McLaren took the ball round Stuart Lovell before unleashing a shot that tipped over the crossbar.

Kilmarnock pushed forward and took the lead after 11 minutes. Cocard exchanged a one-two with Antonio Calderon before firing passed goalkeeper Nick Colgan from 20 yards.

The Rugby Park side almost doubled their lead after 13 minutes but again McLaren sent the ball just over the cross-bar.

Cocard could have grabbed his second after 23 minutes when Alan Mahood tried to set him up in front of goal, but his final shot was weak and easily held by the goal-keeper.

Calderon became the first player of the game to be booked when he was shown the yellow card by referee Kenny Clark for a challenge on Mathias Jack.

Sauzee is known to be dangerous at set pieces and he had the chance to level with a free kick just outside the 18-yard box after 27 minutes, but the shot only got as far as the Kilmarnock wall.

The Easter Road side continued to push for the equaliser and they were rewarded after 34 minutes.

Freddie Arpinon sent a superb ball into the box from the right wing and that was met by Libbra who slammed the ball into the back of the net.

Calderon tried to give Kilmarnock the advantage again five minutes before the break but pulled the shot wide.