Blackpool 1 - 2 Hibs: Miller the hero as Hibs overcome Blackpool

• Derek Riordan Celebrates his goal. Picture: Ian Georgeson

But after making a slow start John Hughes's players had to come from behind to claim victory, Blackpool captain Jason Euell putting his side ahead after just eight minutes as the Lancashire outfit threatened to over-run their visitors.

However, Derek Riordan guided a rare header beyond goalkeeper Matt Gilks to equalise before the interval and midfield ace Liam Miller claimed a spectacular winner, firing a free-kick from 22 yards into the top corner of the net.

Euell had opened the scoring after just eight minutes, planting the ball beyond the helpless Graeme Smith to signal an onslaught on the Hibs goal, skipper Chris Hogg having to head off his own line as Brett Ormerod threatened to double Blackpool's lead.

Only the crossbar prevented former Rangers star Charlie Adam from doing exactly that before Hibs clawed their way back into the match as Riordan directed a precise header from Michael Hart's cross into the corner of the net, the Easter Road striker than forcing Gilks into a decent save from a well-struck free-kick, the Blackpool goalkeeper doing well to push away David Wotherspoon's effort from the rebound.

But Alex Baptiste hit woodwork again for the home side and Euell contrived to miss his kick from only three yards out.

Miller, however, delivered the decisive shot, clipping home a superb free-kick from 22 yards with 13 minutes remaining to send the 1500 or so Hibs fans who had travelled to the Lancashire seaside back up the M6 in a happy mood.

Blackpool: Gilks, Eardley (Eastham 83), Crainey (Coid 66), Adam (Husband 66), Baptiste, Evatt (83)Dodd, Demontagnac, Euell, Taylor-Fletcher (Barkhuizen 83), Ormerod (Tayo 66), Vaughan. Subs not used: Rachubka, Halstead.

Hibs: Smith (Brown 46) Hart (Thicot 56), Hogg (Murray 59), Bamba, Hanlon (Stevenson 69), De Graaf (Rankin 62), McBride, Miller, Wotherspoon, Stokes (Galbraith 72), Riordan. Subs not used: Currie.

Referee: Phil Dowd.