Hibs give Paatelainen first Edinburgh derby victory

Hibernian manager Mixu Paatelainen savoured his first taste of victory in the Edinburgh derby as Steven Fletcher’s goal clinched a 1-0 success against Hearts on Saturday.

Fletcher turned in Alan O’Brien’s cross before both sides were reduced to 10 men during more than seven minutes of first-half injury-time at Easter Road.

The visitors had goalkeeper Janos Balogh sent off after coming out of his area to bring down Fletcher, then Hibernian defender Souleymane Bamba saw red for committing a professional foul on Christian Nade.

Hearts, in third place, pressed for an equaliser against their bitter rivals but Michael Stewart and Nade both hit the woodwork.

David Clarkson came off the bench to score the decisive goal in Motherwell’s 2-1 win at home to Dundee United.

The Fir Park striker headed home at the end of a counter-attack to draw his side level on points with sixth-placed Hibs and narrow the gap on their fourth-placed visitors to four points.

John Sutton had put the hosts ahead midway through the first half but Francisco Sandaza equalised five minutes after being introduced as a half-time substitute.

Chris Maguire gave Aberdeen their first league win since January with a 1-0 victory over a Hamilton side.

Magre’s volley in the 28th minute from 25 yards was one of the few highlights in a scrappy game at Pittodrie.

Inverness claimed a crucial 2-1 victory over Kilmarnock which took them four points clear of bottom spot and hauled Killie into the relegation mire.

Richie Foran and Ian Black gave Caley Thistle control but Simon Ford’s goal gave the visitors hope just before the break.