St Johnstone effectively banished any lingering relegation fears by finally ridding themselves of an unwanted statistic as they claimed their first home league win since mid-August.

Keith O'Halloran's 27th minute penalty after Hibernian keeper Nick Colgan's error of judgment felled John Paul McBride in the area was enough to claim the points against a lacklustre Hibernian.

It was the first time Saints, who started the game in eighth but now move above Dundee, had claimed three Scottish Premier League home points since the August 15 2-0 success over Kilmarnock.

Last season's third-placed finish has seemed a distant memory at times this term, but following on from last week's 1-1 draw with Rangers, the Perth side looked the more assured throughout.

First choice keeper Alan Main, a regular in the Scotland squad, was missing for St Johnstone because of a groin problem and now faces surgery which could rule him out for several months.

That meant Alan Ferguson earned a rare chance to impress in goal with hisfirst start since August 1998, while defender Danny Griffin was absent on international duty with Northern Ireland.

Hibernian were without Trinidad and Tobago star Russell Latapy on Gold Cup duty with former French international Franck Sauzee also sidelined and Paul Lovering in for the suspended Tom Smith.

The visitors made a lively start and a burst of pace from Kenny Miller set up fellow youngster Ian Murray for a shooting chance on the left, but themidfielder scuffed his effort wide.

After seven minutes, Hibs again threatened when Mixu Paatalainen beat ahesitant Ferguson in the air and Gary Bollan was forced to clear off theline as Miller fired the rebound goalwards.

Saints regrouped and started to have the most of possession, John O'Neil sent a snap shot just wide before Bollan unleashed a swerving effort which Colgan was equal to.

After 27 minutes, St Johnstone won a penalty when Paul Kane's pass released McBride who looked to be running away from goal when needlessly brought down by Colgan.

It was a reckless moment from the keeper, punished first by a booking then in turn by O'Halloran sending him the wrong way from the penalty spot tomake it 1-0.

A deep cross from Lovering on 34 minutes caused problems for the Saints backline and Paatalainen was first to the ball, but the Finn's far post header was high and wide.

Moments later, St Johnstone needed another goalline clearance when McBride hacked away to safety a firm John Hughes header as Hibernian sought a leveller before the break.

As it was however it was the home team who came close next, Jim Weir's header scrambled away by Colgan with the aid of defender Derek Collins three minutes before half-time.

Saints were bright from the restart and after referee Kenny Clark bundled into Hibs' Grant Brebner by accident, McBride sent a 20-yard drive narrowly off-target.

O'Neil then had a powerful effort well held by Colgan, though at the other end Ferguson needed to be alert to deny Paatalainen's angled drive after a neat Murray pass.

Hibernian took the Finn off after 58 minutes to bring on Dirk Lehmann, while four minutes later Saints introduced Nathan Lowndes for the off-form Jones.

After 66 minutes, deputy Ferguson pulled off a fine save to deny Paul Hartley fierce strike from the edge of the area, while in response, in what was an even contest, Lowndes headed wide.

Hibs continued to press for an equaliser, Miller dragging a shot wide when well-placed and seconds later the same player surged away from Weir before testing Ferguson at his near post.

The visitors sent on St Lucian international Earl Jean, a recent capture from West Connection, and his first touch almost saw Saints defender putthough his own net.

Jean then sent an injury-time header agonisingly wide from a Hartley corner, but St Johnstone were not to be denied a welcome and overdue success on home turf.

Teams

St Johnstone: Ferguson, Frail, Weir, Dods, Bollan, O'Halloran, McBride (McMahon 79), Kane, O'Neil, Jones (Lowndes 62),Connolly.

Subs Not Used: Robertson, McCluskey, Lauchlan.

Booked: O'Halloran.

Goals: O'Halloran 27 pen.

Hibernian: Colgan, Collins, Hughes, Jack, Lovering, Hartley, Lovell, Brebner, Murray (Jean 79), Miller,Paatelainen (Lehmann 58).

Subs Not Used: Gottskalksson, Dennis, Renwick.

Booked: Colgan, Murray, Lovering, Lehmann.

Att: 8,199

Ref: Kenny Clark (Scotland).