Hibernian 2 Dundee 1

Last updated : 16 November 2002 By Footymad Previewer

A double from Mixu Paatelainen gave Hibs victory over Dundee and moved them to joint fourth in the SPL table with neighbours Hearts.

The former Finnish international scored early in each half – his second from the penalty spot – and Hibs survived a late rally from Dundee to hold onto the points.

John O'Neil returned to the Hibs starting line-up after a three-month absence and regained his captain's armband.

The midfielder set up an early chance for Jarkko Wiss but the Finn's 20-yard shot was just a couple of feet wide.

Craig James was next to try his luck with a lob from the edge of the area but it dipped just over Julian Speroni's crossbar.

But the goal came after 12 minutes. Craig James's cross was expertly judged for Mixu Paatelainen to steer a ten-yard header past Speroni.

Dundee could not muster up much in response and a Jonay Hernandez free-kick was easily saved by Nick Colgan.

Hibs always looked the more dangerous and Yannick Zambernardi almost scored a remarkable goal with a 40-yard shot which Speroni managed to scramble over his crossbar.

But Hibs stretched their advantage four minutes into the second half. Paatelainen was pulled down in the penalty area by Gavin Rae and the Finnish striker stroked home the penalty himself.

Dundee sent on Nacho Novo to give them a fourth forward and took the game to Hibs.

Colgan was alert enough to race from his line to block Steve Lovell as Hibs creaked at the back.

The Irish keeper again raced to his side's rescue to smother a Juan Sara shot with Hibs again short-handed in defence.

Novo pulled a goal back for Dundee with a shot that went in off the inside of the post deep into injury-time, but Hibs held on for the three points