Summary Hibernian boss Butcher apologised to the Hibs support, who vented their anger after the defeat.
GLASGOW (AFP) - Hibernian face a battle to stay in the Scottish Premiership after a 1-0 defeat at home to Kilmarnock in their final game condemned them to 11th position and a relegation play-off.
Terry Butcher s side needed to win at Easter Road on the final day to leapfrog Killie and secure their top-flight status after a terrible run of results.
However, former Rangers striker Kris Boyd fired past Ben Williams in the 44th minute for his 22nd goal of the season to seal safety for Kilmarnock.
Hibs have won just once in their past 18 matches and are in real danger of joining Edinburgh rivals Hearts in relegation to the Championship.
The Easter Road side will now face a two-legged play-off final against either Hamilton Academical, Falkirk or Queen of the South on May 21 and 25.
Hibernian boss Butcher apologised to the Hibs support, who vented their anger outside Easter Road after the defeat.
"We have to keep going, we re not relegated, we ve got two games left that can ensure we stay in the Premiership," Butcher said.
"The last four games the players have been totally committed, and they ve played very well. They played well again today but once again it s Hibernian nil.
"It s soul-destroying, it s disappointing, it s heartbreaking, we re all devastated because of where we ve finished and we just haven t put enough goals in the back of the net.
"We ve got 10 days now until the first play-off match and we ll work on it, we ll work very hard.
"It s hard to look forward to these games because it feels like you ve been slapped in the face, and I can only say sorry to the Hibs fans because we ve put them through the wringer, and we re put through the wringer on the sidelines as well because it just would not go in."
Kilmarnock manager Allan Johnston thought his side deserved to win. "It was nervy but you could see how much it meant to them. They are always a threat from set pieces but we defended well," Johnston said.
"Kris Boyd is a massive player and his experience is invaluable. Now I hope to start planning for next season."
City rivals Hearts, who would have finished three points above Hibs if it hadn t been for their 15 points deduction for entering administration, finished the season with a 1-1 away to St Mirren.
In Saturday s other match Ross County claimed seventh spot with a 3-2 win away to Partick Thistle, who finished tenth.
The final games will be played on Sunday, with champions Celtic entertaining Scottish Cup finalists Dundee United and Aberdeen hosting Motherwell in a decisive game for second place.
