Livingston struck twice in the final three minutes to deny Hibernian any chance of a place in the top six of the Bank of Scotland Premier League.
Goals from Alen Orman and Derek Riordan either side of the interval looked to have kept up the pressure on Dundee for the final berth in the top half of the table before the split.
But late strikes from Barry Wilson and Burton O'Brien for Livi ensured Hibs would finish the season in the less lucrative lower half of the league although Dundee's win at Motherwell ensured their top-half finish.
Livi served an early warning to the home side when Davide Xausa 'scored' after just 43 seconds but referee John Rowbotham ruled the strike was offside.
Fernando Pasquinelli looked an early danger to Hibs and he played in danger man Xausa with a neat pass but Nick Colgan dived at his feet to save bravely.
But the goalkeeper then lost his concentration and let the ball slip from his grasp with a number of players swarming.
Fortunately for Colgan, Stuart Lovell's shot this was blocked and cleared.
Hibs were dealt a blow when midfielder Derek Townsley replaced the injured Paul Fenwick in the centre of defence in the 15th minute.
Five minutes later, the visitors had another goal ruled out for offside after an incisive move had split the Hibs defence.
The impressive Pasquinelli made a surging run and then sent Lovell clear on the left of the Hibs penalty area.
The Australian sent over a cross towards the six-yard box and defender Yannick Zambernardi deflected the ball into his own net.
But, fortunately for the Frenchman, the goal was disallowed for off-side.
Livingston were also forced into an early alteration with David McNamee going off for Wilson on 28 minutes.
Colgan had to be alert to run from his line to clear before sub Wilson could finish after Lovell's pass.
Then, in the last minute of the first half, Hibs edged in front when Orman headed home from a good McManus cross.
Hibs were dealt a blow just three minutes after the break with striker McManus stretchered off to be replaced by Riordan.
Then, in the 53rd minute, Andrews conceded a free-kick in a dangerous position after a foul on Townsley.
Townsley stepped over the ball and Riordan, who had only been on the pitch for five minutes, fired an unstoppable shot into the top left corner of the net to make it 2-0.
Hibs were now playing with a confidence and assurance that had been absent during the first half-hour.
Livi made their second substitution on 58 minutes with Eugene Dadi replacing Brinquin.
Livingston had a strong penalty appeal turned down after Frenchman Mathias Doumbe appeared to foul Wilson in the box but referee Rowbotham waved the claims away.
But, after news filtered through that Motherwell had pulled a goal back against Dundee, Hibs appeared to become nervier and Colgan saved well from a header by Juanjo Camacho after a cross from Lovell.
O'Connor had a chance to finish the game for Hibs after 82 minutes but his 20-yard shot was comfortably saved by Main.
But, with three minutes left, Wilson struck a sweet 20-yard right-footed shot into the bottom left corner for what looked like a consolation goal.
However, in the penultimate minute, O'Brien fired a sensational equaliser with an equally sweet strike to claim an unlikely draw for the visitors.
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