Anthony Stokes opened his Hibernian account with a double that saw off St Johnstone 3-0.

Stokes fired Hibs ahead in the 21st minute against the run of play with an opportunist strike from 18 yards. The 21-year-old chested down Sol Bamba's hopeful long ball on the edge of the box, held off Graham Gartland before turning and firing a left-foot shot into the bottom corner.

Derek Riordan doubled their lead in the 36th minute with another goal out of the blue. David Wotherspoon's blocked cross fell for the former Celtic striker 22 yards out and he rifled the ball into the bottom corner.

Danny Galbraith replaced Riordan and the former Manchester United youngster quickly made his mark by winning the free-kick that allowed Stokes to bag his second in the 73rd minute.

The winger's positive run was crudely halted by Gartland and Stokes curled home from 22 yards with Alan Main motionless.

The victory got Hibernian's season back on track following a defeat by Hamilton that sparked John Hughes into three changes.