"I'm just glad to get off the mark," said Fletcher, who's felt the benefit of being on Scotland duty. "I knew if I kept shooting it would come." Fletcher also feels he will reap the rewards with the return of Riordan. "The fans love him and it's great to work with him again. When he was here before, he was a legend. I learned a lot from him first time round and it's good to see him back."

Despite Sol Bamba's sending off on his Hibs debut, the home side held on. United could have had something from this game. They had enough chances but Yves Ma-Kalambay was their nemesis in the Hibs goal. The Belgian keeper made some vital saves to ensure United didn't get back into this game a second time.

"We needed that," said Mixu Paatelainen of the three points. "The team showed great spirit and thankfully we held on. United cause problems for any team so that makes it sweeter." The manager didn't doubt Fletcher would come good with the goals at some point. "He'll score goals. There's no question of that. He works very hard and that's important if you want to be a top level player."

Paatelainen had some sympathy for Bamba, who made some rash tackles yesterday and paid the ultimate price. "He's still young and very full-hearted in his tackles. He doesn't take any prisoners." Of Riordan, the manager said it is a matter of working on his strength and fitness. "The atmosphere was raised today. The players felt it. It's always enjoyable when you have that level of noise from the terraces. That's what football needs."

Craig Levein didn't need this. He finds his team propping up the table but the manager is not despondent, despite the rough run of results. "My job is to support the players," he said. "They're working hard and just not getting what they deserve. They did their utmost but it just wasn't their day. We regroup and go again next week. You keep doing what you believe are the right things and you'll get your reward."

Hibs had the first attack. Dean Shiels fired in a cross and Fletcher rose but nodded high. He was on target with his next headed effort. Ian Murray launched the ball deep into the United box and Colin Nish directed it back to Fletcher who, quick as a flash, planted a super effort into the corner of the net.

Francisco Sandaza and Rob Jones raced each other and the United striker smacked a shot over the Hibs crossbar. "I stake my reputation on Sandaza scoring 20 goals this season," said Levein afterwards.

United came close to equalising when Sandaza neatly played in Scott Robertson who tried to chip Ma-Kalambay but the keeper was alert to the danger and caught safely. Bamba was then yellow carded for a rash challenge on Scott Robertson. Jones and Ma-Kalambay got mixed up in an 'after you' routine and Sandaza nipped in and maybe should have scored but he dragged his shot wide.

The United goal emerged from an unlikely source. Lee Wilkie's initial shot was blocked but, second time, the United defender rifled it low into the corner from 30 yards. It was an impressive sight and no less than United deserved. Hibs had done nothing but encourage them back into the game.

Riordan's entrance sparked a sustained spell of excitement. Moments later, Ma-Kalambay made a vital save from Sandaza. Then Hibs flew up the park. Riordan started it. Shiels found Nish who squared for Fletcher and he confidently struck the ball beyond Lukasz Zaluska.

Bamba's second booking came as a result of a tackle on Jon Daly. Then came defensive heroics from Hibs with Ma-Kalambay and Jones, in quick succession, making crucial stops as United went for the jugular.