Hibs' Riordan fires in a shot under pressure from Moutaouakil

Hibernian enjoyed another win at Easter Road, a deserved three points against Motherwell, to keep league leaders Celtic and Rangers in their sights.

Former Sunderland striker Anthony Stokes broke the deadlock in 41 minutes when he latched on to Derek Riordan's through ball and slotted home.

Motherwell's John Ruddy had earlier saved a Riordan lob and a delightful curling shot from John Rankin.

But he was helpless when Stokes' second was deflected past him into the net.

Hibernian's good form in the first quarter of Scottish Premier League matches has been due, in part, to the performances of goalkeeper Graham Stack.

The home support, therefore, would not have been too pleased to hear that he had failed to shake off a back injury and Yves Ma-Kalambay would be back between the sticks.

Yet the big Belgian had a good first half and made a superb save just before the break when Steven Saunders headed a Ross Forbes' free-kick goalbound, and had saved well from the same player earlier in the game.

The match took a while to warm up, with Hibs' opening play characterised by some slack passing and Motherwell rather deliberate in their play.

Nish had a header whip over Ruddy's bar, the big striker connecting with Riordan's corner, and the provider himself had a shot from 20 yards that Ruddy saved comfortably.

Stokes passed up a chance to put the home side ahead after 23 minutes but he miss-hit his shot from the penalty spot and it trundled just a few yards, allowing Mark Reynolds to clear.

A purposeful run by Ian Murray fed Meouane Zemmama, who laid the ball off for Rankin who curled a shot afrom 25 yards that Ruddy parried.

Buoyed by that stop, Ruddy then saved a clever chip from Riordan as John Hughes' side continued to dominate possession.

The breakthrough for the Easter Road men was painful for the visitors, who claimed Stokes was offside when Riordan knocked the ball over the Motherwell defence.

However, the Irishman ignored Well's appeals, as did referee Iain Brines, to slot the ball past Ruddy from 12 yards for his fifth goal of the season.

Jim Gannon made a double switch at half-time with Keith Lasley and Jim O'Brien coming on for John Sutton and Forbes, and Jamie Murphy moving to play through the centre.

In an untidy opening to the second half, Hibs went two ahead in 55 minutes.

A peripheral figure for most of the game, Zemmama showed a nice bit of skill to set up Stokes and the former Sunderland striker's shot was deflected into the net by Nish.

Hibernian's creative players continued to pose problems running at the visitors, with Riordan shooting straight at Ruddy before Zemmama placed the ball wide after impressive footwork inside the box.

Murphy was booked harshly for diving by Brines midway through the half when he was brought down by a sliding challenge from Bamba inside the box.

Ma-Kalambay had very little to do in the second period but had maintained his focus to save from Moutaouakil in injury time.

Motherwell boss Jim Gannon will have plenty to say to his team after this disappointing performance.

Hibernian manager John Hughes: "We need to keep our feet firmly on the ground. I felt we deserved the victory today over the piece.

"It was a good performance - hard-working, pressing from the front and we kept a clean sheet.

"Motherwell are a good football side. We had to make sure that our shape was right.

"I thought Liam Miller was outstanding. He sets the standard and everybody follows.

"We had to be at our best to beat Motherwell.

"We are turning this place into a fortress. I think you see the spirit and the work these boys put in."

Motherwell manager Jim Gannon refused to speak to any members of the media and instructed his players to remain silent, too.

No explanation was given for the decision of Gannon, who also avoided the press conference after his side's 2-2 draw with Hamilton four weeks ago.

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