Hibs went into Thursday’s second leg as sturdy favourites given their wonderful exhibiting in Belgrade, however their two-goal lead slipped away in alarming vogue as goalkeeper Jordan Smith pushed Milan Vukotic’s long-range effort into the highest nook earlier than permitting Jovan Milosevic’s tame effort to squirm below him.

He trudged off at half-time to howls of dismay from the house supporters, however Grey believes the break got here at time for his facet.

“For big spells of the primary half the form was actually good, we had the higher possibilities after which there’s clearly a few errors,” Grey stated.

“The character was definitely examined. Half-time got here at time – I used to be in a position to calm them down after which it is all about character.”

They usually confirmed their character by Bowie’s impressed strike and thru a string of Smith saves, who put his first-half horror present behind him admirably.

“I am delighted for Jordan for his second-half efficiency,” Grey stated. “He made massive saves at massive occasions.”

Grey was eager to level out that his crew’s character was then examined once more.

The tie appeared completed. Hibs have been by, 3-2 up on combination with 30 seconds left of time added on.

That was earlier than Partizan’s Andrej Kostic swept residence within the 96th minute to power additional time.

Nonetheless, in contrast to in Europa League qualifying in opposition to Midtjylland, there can be no heartache this time.

“The sport turned stretched, we misplaced management at occasions,” Grey stated. “You suppose you are over the road after which you must go once more for one more half-hour.

“Now it is all completed and dusted there will likely be enhancements to come back from it, however that is for one more night time.”