Steven Fletcher hit a fantastic hat-trick as Hibernian beat Gretna 4-2 to claim their first SPL win at Easter Road since late September.The Scotland Under-21 forward struck two superb goals before sealing his treble with a last-minute penalty after Gretna goalkeeper Greg Fleming was handed a straight red card.

Home debutant Colin Nish also weighed in with his first goal since his move from Kilmarnock to help his new club into the top six on goal difference.

Bottom-placed Gretna enjoyed some bright spells on a bitterly cold night and almost achieved a stirring late comeback after goals from Gavin Skelton and Kenny Deuchar.

But a lack of cohesion at the back ultimately saw the Black & Whites slump to back-to-back defeats in Edinburgh after Saturday's loss at Hearts.

While Mixu Paatelainen celebrated the victory in his first home league match in charge, Davie Irons' side remain nine points adrift at the foot and staring at relegation.

Paatelainen handed Algeria defender Abdel Zarabi his debut after his arrival last month was delayed by red tape. Thierry Gathuessi was also brought in, with Kevin McCann and Paul Hanlon dropping out.

Gretna also made two changes with on-loan Barnsley defender Rhys Meynell making his full debut beside the recalled Craig Barr. Aurelien Collin started despite an ankle knock, but Chris Innes and Danny Hall missed out.

Paatelainen wanted a fast start from his side, yet it was the new-look visitors who began confidently under the sweeping evening mist and tested Yves Ma-Kalambay as early as 48 seconds.

On-loan Everton teenager John Paul Kissock cut inside and struck a fierce 20-yard effort that the Belgian goalkeeper palmed away for a corner.

Gretna were knocking the ball around with no little flair, but their early fire was soon extinguished when the hosts claimed a ninth-minute lead.

Fletcher did well to outmuscle Kyle Naughton on the left and his ball across goal allowed Nish to slide in and net from six yards.

Gretna refused to let their heads drop and the lively Kissock was at the heart of their promptings, clipping the top of the netting with a attempted 18th-minute cutback.

However, Hibernian roared back up the park and scored a magnificent second.

Zarabi's long ball was not properly headed clear by Barr and the ball fell to Fletcher, who swept a 25-yard drop volley over Fleming.

Fletcher, linked with Real Madrid at the weekend, was clearly enjoying himself and almost grabbed a quick double when he was left unmarked and fired a fierce drive off the underside of the bar.

At the other end, Ma-Kalambay brilliantly tipped round Deuchar's flick without knowing he was offside, before Skelton shot into Ma-Kalambay's arms after neat interplay with Kissock.

But Gretna's makeshift back-line continued to look vulnerable and Fleming came to their rescue in the 37th minute with a fantastic double save from Filipe Morais and Fletcher. From the resultant corner, the young goalkeeper again denied Morais at his near post.

The Borderers needed a lifeline before the interval, but Deuchar was left frustrated when his backward header from a Kissock free-kick landed inches wide.

Gretna returned quickly for the second period and Kissock immediately brought out the best in Ma-Kalambay from the edge of the penalty area.

However, Gretna's defensive frailties were soon exposed again when Paatelainen's men put the match beyond doubt in the 57th minute.

Morais picked out Fletcher and the youngster controlled the ball on his chest before sweeping it high past Fleming.

Hibs continued to threaten, with only offside calls denying them on numerous

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