Hibs 2-1 Dundee United

Sep 14 2008 Gavin Berry Reports

SUPER Steven Fletcher upstaged Derek Riordan on his emotional Easter Road return - but insisted the comeback man will always be the No.1 darling of the Hibs fans. Scotland ace Fletch grabbed a glory double after combining with former Kilmarnock striker Colin Nish to devastating effect.

His brace nullified a stunning Lee Wilkie long ranger to seal a crucial three points for Hibs who had debut defender Sol Bamba sent off in the 68th minute.

And defeat means under-fire Dundee United - who have won only one of their last 21 league games against Hibs - face a tough trip to Aberdeen on Saturday searching for their first SPL victory in 13 matches.

All the talk before yesterday's game was of Riordan's return to his first love after a turbulent two-year spell at Celtic.

And after starting the game on the bench he was given a huge ovation when he came on just after the hour mark.

Riordan even had a hand in the winner but it was Fletcher - on the bench for the national side against against Iceland in midweek - who once again stole the headlines with his first Hibs goals since March and brilliant all-round display as his stock continues to soar.

Yet the modest frontman claimed Riordan is still the main man.

Fletch said: "It was great for Derek to come back, the fans love him and he's a great player.

"It's good to work with him again and he made an impact when he came on.

"He'll always be number one with the Hibs fans but I was just glad to get the two goals.

"When Derek was here he was a legend and always will be. I'm just glad he's back because I learned a lot from him when he was at the club the first time.

"I was delighted with the reception he got and my two goals. I could hear people getting on my back but the manager told me to keep working hard and the goals would come - and they did."

Fletcher grabbed his first in the 21st minute whenNish unselfishly headed to Fletcher who steered his header into the roof of the net.

The Arabs suffered another blow on the half hour when Roy O'Donovan went off injured. He was replaced by Jon Daly.

Francisco Sandaza and Scott Robertson wasted chances to level for United.

Riordan's fellow new signing Bamba was handed his debut - although the defender's first involvement was a booking for a late tackle on Robertson which would come back to haunt him.

Craig Levein's men finished the first half stronger and equalised right on half-time.

Wilkie's shot was blocked by Rob Jones but the big defender rifled an unstoppable 30-yard drive low into the corner.

The away side continued to dominate but there was one way to get the restless Hibs fans on their feet - the introduction of Riordan for Joe Keenan.

He was given a huge ovation when he came on in the 61st minute and the Easter Road crowd went wild two minutes later as Hibs regained the lead.

Riordan's pass started a quick breakaway before Dean Shiels and Nish set up Fletcher to beat the advancing Lukasz Zaluska.

Bamba saw red for a second bookable offence - a late tackle on Daly - but Hibs held on despite some nervy moments.

MATCH STATS

Shots on 2

Shots off 5

Offside 2

Fouls 17

Corners 1

Bookings 3

Shots on 5

Shots off 4

Offside 2

Fouls 21

Corners 9

Bookings 2