Hibernian 0-1 Motherwell

Aug 31 2008 Gavin Berry at Easter Road

JOHN SUTTON continued his blistering start as he bagged his second goal in consecutive games to earn Well's first league victory and pile the pressure on Mixu Paatelainen.

Hibees have now won just one of their last 12 games and furious fans turned on chairman Rod Petrie at full-time as they booed the team off.

Under-fire Hibs boss Paatelainen tried to put a brave face on the slump that was compounded by Well new boy Sutton after the midweek loss to Morton in the Co-operative Cup.

But the Finn refused to have a go at ref Stuart Dougal despite Steven Fletcher having a first-half goal ruled out for offside in a tight decision.

Mixu said: "I couldn't see if Fletcher was offside when Dean Shiels crossed the ball. The linesman was adamant he was so that's that.

"We'll just keep working hard. Once again we passed the ball well and created half chances but didn't score then conceded one that cost us the game.

"It looked like there was only going to be one goal and they got it."

Paatelainen also revealed he's had enquiries about his players ahead of tomorrow's transfer deadline but hopes to bring in bodies - with Derek Riordan touted for a return - rather than losing any.

And despite scouts from Aston Villa and Cardiff plus Celtic boss Gordon Strachan watching Hibs for the third straight week, the Finn insisted nobody has asked about star man Fletcher.

Paatelainen said: "We're working hard on the transfer front and I'm hopeful we can make some signings.

"I have nothing to say on Riordan. There have been enquiries for some of our players but not Fletcher."

The other big decision went in Hibs' favour when Well were denied a second-half penalty after Martin Canning appeared to haul Chris Porter to the ground.

But justice was done when the Steelmen grabbed a winner 12 minutes from time and it was former Wycombe hitman Sutton on the scoresheet for the second week in a row.

David Clarkson delivered the ball in to the box and Sutton outmuscled his former St Mirren team-mate David van Zanten before firing a great shot on the turn into the roof of the net.

It was a much-needed win for the Lanarkshire side who face a huge September with a UEFA Cup tie against French side Nancy sandwiched between games against the Old Firm.

Match-winner Sutton said: "Getting the goal was good but it was more important to win.

"After a great week's training I now know the players a bit better - it's certainly the best squad of players I've been involved with.

"The Nancy game is in the back of our minds but this was a massive match because we've had a sticky spell points-wise. This win will push us up the table.

"We've got Celtic, Nancy then Rangers so it's going to be a massive spell after the international break and we're looking forward to it."

Hibs started the brighter and Shiels had a great chance when Fletcher put him through one-on-one with Graeme Smith but the Well keeper stood firm to save with his legs.

Then Fletcher - watched by George Burley who left him out of the Scotland squad - had a glimpse of goal in 19 minutes when he beat Mark Reynolds to Lewis Stevenson's ball but lashed over.

Shiels was looking lively and had a shot well saved by Smith before setting up Fletcher to head home with a lovely run and cross down the right.

But the celebrations were cut short by the linesman who ruled the striker was offside.

As Hibs tried to grab an equaliser late on, sub Steve Pinau appealed for a penalty when he went down under Reynolds' challenge.

But it was an act of desperation and Dougal rightly ignored his claim.

REE WATCH

STUART DOUGAL appeared to get the biggest decision wrong when Martin Canning hauled Chris Porter down inside the box and no penalty was given. That spoiled a good display by the whistler. Rating: 5/10.

MATCH STAT

Shots on 3

Shots off 8

Offside 4

Fouls 11

Corners 3

Bookings 0

Shots on 3

Shots off 3

Offside 5

Fouls 13

Corners 2

Bookings 0