Hughes (right) exchanged views with his captain Chris Hogg during their win

Hibernian manager John Hughes praised his side for their second-half display in the 3-2 win over Motherwell.

"In the first half, it was all Motherwell. Then we got a foothold in the game and started playing some football," Hughes told BBC Scotland.

"But we've got goals in our team and these guys are spirited and want to score goals.

"Their keeper has produced two or three great saves and I'm delighted we've picked up three points."

Motherwell were rewarded for their impressive first-half display with John Sutton's goal, but Hibs grabbed an unlikely equaliser on the stroke of half-time through Anthony Stokes.

Paul Hanlon and Liam Miller gave Hibs the upper hand before Jamie Murphy's penalty reduced the deficit, but Hibs held on for victory.

Hughes, who exchanged views with skipper Chris Hogg during the game over his side's defending, said he was delighted by the response of his players.

"I wanted a reaction; to say 'I'm not getting beat, I'm not taking this' and get the veins sticking out," the Hibs boss revealed.

"At the time, Motherwell were just pumping balls into the box and you're wanting him to be the leader and go and head it.

"He did okay. I just felt there were a few things going over the top of his head.

"But they dug it out. Big Sol Bamba was immense in the second half.

"I haven't set a target for this season. We need to keep the back door shut, but this is a difficult place to come and we've got three points on the board."

Striker Derek Riordan said Motherwell created a number of chances after making a strong start to the game.

"But they didn't take them in the first half and Stokesy's goal right on half-time gave us a big boost," said the striker.

"We pushed it in the second half and it paid off. I'm disappointed not to have scored myself, but am happy with three assists and the victory.

"We finished fourth last season and we want to finish higher this season. I'm enjoying it at Hibs and we've got a great bunch of lads."

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