A superb strike by Stuart Lovell and a Mixu Paatelainen header kept up the pressure on Premier League leaders Celtic in a 2-0 win over St Johnstone at Easter Road.

But the Edinburgh side had struggled to break down a well organised Perth outfit.

However, just before the break, Australian international Lovell curled a magnificent effort into the top corner of the net.

And Hibs, inspired by a brilliant performance from skipper Franck Sauzee, wrapped up a deserved victory when top scorer Paatelainen nodded home the second 16 minutes from the end.

It was no more than Hibs deserved after dominating the match and impressing with some attractive football.

St Johnstone struggled to get going and were pinned back for long periods and can have no complaints at the setback.

Easter Road boss Alex McLeish was able to name the same line-up from last week's demolition of Dunfermline.

But St Johnstone were forced to recall defender Gary Bollan with Momo Sylla suspended.

Hibs skipper Sauzee gave an indication of what was to come when he opted to let fly inside the opening minute with a shot from fully 40-yards.

But a couple of dangerous free kicks at the other end forced Hibs back and goalkeeper Nick Colgan made a fine stop in the seventh minute from Paul Kane's goalbound effort.

Referee Stuart Dougal injected some life into the game when he was forced to warn Hibs boss McLeish after he made a series of controversial decisions which enraged the home fans.

Hibs almost took a 19th minute lead when Lovell's looping cross was nodded down by Paatelainen and David Zitelli headed just wide from close range.

St Johnstone kid striker Keigan Parker had won rave reviews in recent weeks but he was up against the superb Sauzee and was stopped in his tracks in the 23rd minute when he tried to wriggle free in the box by an outstanding crunching tackle from the Frenchman.

Russell Latapy was providing all the attacking threat for Hibs and he exchanged passes with Paatelainen in the 31st minute before his 20-yard shot was tipped past the post by Saints keeper Alan Main.

Hibs finally made the break through four minutes before the break with a spectacular strike.

Lovell looked to have nowhere to go at the edge of the box but he dipped a shoulder before curling a magnificent left-footed strike into the top corner of the net.

And they came close to doubling their lead a minute later when Sauzee unleashed a rocket free-kick which skimmed the top of the bar on its way over.

Hibs came out in the second half determined to finish the game and a quick fire move saw Latapy release Lovell and the Australian's goalbound effort was blocked by the on-rushing Main.

The home side sealed the points in the 74th minute when Paatelainen glanced Sauzee's free-kick into the net to give Main no chance.

Hibs totally dominated the closing stages and it was only their poor finishing which prevented their superiority being reflected in a more damaging scoreline.

Zitelli was put clean through but fluffed his attempted chip and the ball flew straight at Main.

And in the closing minute Latapy rounded the keeper but delayed the finish and was eventually crowded out by some desperate defending.