STEVEN Fletcher scored the only goal to give Mixu Paatelainen his first derby victory as Hibernian manager after a controversial Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Hearts at Easter Road.

Fletcher guided home Alan O'Brien's cross before both sides were reduced to 10 men during more than seven minutes of first-half injury-time.

Michael Stewart and Christian Nade hit the woodwork for Hearts but Hibs held out to strengthen their top-six hopes.

David Clarkson came off the bench to score the decisive goal in Motherwell's 2-1 win at home to Dundee United.

The Fir Park striker headed home at the end of a counter-attack to draw his side level on points with sixth-placed Hibs and narrow the gap on their fourth-placed visitors to four points.

John Sutton had put the hosts ahead midway through the first half with United temporarily down to 10 men as Garry Kenneth received treatment, but Francisco Sandaza had equalised five minutes after being introduced as a half-time substitute.

A wonderful strike from Chris Maguire gave Aberdeen their first league win since January with a 1-0 victory over a Hamilton side.

Magre's magnificent volley in the 28th minute from 25 yards was one of the few highlights in a scrappy game at Pittodrie.

The young Aberdeen striker spurned a number of opportunities in the second half to get a second but the Dons held on for a deserved win on a very blustery day at Pittodrie.

Inverness claimed a crucial 2-1 victory over Kilmarnock which took them four points clear of bottom spot and hauled Killie into the relegation mire.

Richie Foran and Ian Black gave Caley Thistle control but Simon Ford's goal gave the visitors hope just before the break.

In a disappointing second half, Jim Jefferies' men had the best of the play, but they could not get that all-important equaliser.