Scottish Premier League: Hibernian 3 St Johnstone 2

Hibernian earned their first home win in the Scottish Premier League with a 3-2 victory over St Johnstone on Wednesday.

Garry O’Connor – who returned to Hibs this season, having spent a a six-year stint at Easter Road Stadium from 2000-2006 – fired a double to continue his hot goalscoring form.

O’Connor has now netted in eight of his past 10 matches in all competitions for Colin Calderwood’s side, including two braces.

But it was team-mate Ivan Sproule who opened the scoring on Wednesday, when the Northern Ireland midfielder fired home into the roof of the net in the 17th minute.

A Liam Craig volley had the visitors level just two minutes later, but O’Connor ensured Hibernian went to the break with an advantage when his low strike found the bottom corner of the net.

Hibs goalkeeper Graham Stack had work to do to preserve his side’s lead late in the opening half, charging down striker Francisco Sandaza when he was through on goal and also keeping out a powerful strike from goalscorer Craig.

The home side went further ahead on 63 minutes, following a controversial penalty awarded by referee Steve Conroy.

O’Connor lost possession in the area and, despite initiating contact with defender David McCracken, the Hibs front man was awarded a penalty, which he duly dispatched past goalkeeper Peter Enckelman.

Irish attacker Cillian Sheridan – on-loan from Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia – pulled a late goal back for St Johnstone, but it was not enough for them to avoid their first loss in five league fixtures.

Hibs’ victory broke a run of three league draws and helped them climb above Aberdeen into 10th spot on the table.