Late-goal specialist Bob McHugh struck again as Falkirk came from behind to dash Hibernian’s promotion hopes and set up a Ladbrokes Premiership play-off final against Kilmarnock.
McHugh pounced in injury time in a crowded penalty box to convert a long throw and secure a 3-2 victory in front of a sell-out 7,851 crowd at the Falkirk Stadium.
The former Motherwell striker helped Falkirk to second place in the Championship with an injury-time winner over Rangers and last-minute leveller at Easter Road, and had struck again in the first leg with an 80th-minute equaliser.
Hibs looked in control after James Keatings turned the game on its head with two goals in three minutes after a poor first half-hour for the visitors, who trailed to Blair Alston’s goal.
But Luke Leahy struck a magnificent equaliser in the 79th minute before McHugh netted with virtually the last kick of the ball.
Falkirk will host Kilmarnock in the first leg of the final on Thursday, while Hibs have to lift themselves for next Saturday’s William Hill Scottish Cup final against Rangers – where they could be missing Dylan McGeouch, who went off injured.
McHugh had put Alston through in 13 minutes, and the midfielder finished past Conrad Logan.
However, when Keatings got away in the left channel, David McCracken brought him down with a sliding challenge. The Falkirk defender had got away with a clear handball in the box when Hibs led on Tuesday, but Craig Thomson had no hesitation in giving the spot-kick.
Keatings converted and soon headed home an Anthony Stokes cross from 12 yards to make it 2-1.
Hibs looked comfortable, but Leahy produced a moment of class in the 79th minute when he met a headed clearance on the half-volley and guided a powerful shot inside Logan’s post from 25 yards.
Extra time loomed – until McHugh stole the show.
