Derek Townsley was always unpopular with the Motherwell fans and left the club because of it. His reputation at Fir Park hit rock bottom on Saturday as his two goals for Hibs gave them victory over his former employers and also their first points of the season.
The opener after 14 minutes was a curling 25-yard free-kick which left the wall and keeper Stephen Woods completely beaten and even a yellow card for over-celebrating failed to dampen Townsley's souring spirits.
He then rounded off a hugely decisive minute of action inside the final quarter when he headed home goal number two at the back post just moments after James McFadden had missed a sitter for Motherwell.
An unchanged home line-up had promised much better in the early stages with ex-HIbs striker Dirk Lehmann looking particularly eager to shine against his old club. Left-back Steven Hammell also worried the visitors with a sweetly struck left-foot rocket from 30 yards.
Motherwell were clearly superior but Hibs then showed them the massive importance of set pieces by unsettling the home defence with an inswinging corner before they took the lead through Townsley's brilliant free-kick.
Within the next five munutes Spanish striker Francisco Luna wasted a terrific opportunity to double Hibs advantage as their confidence continued to grow. But no further chances materialised and both teams were desperately poor throughout the rest of the first half with only a delightful piece of midfield play from Motherwell's Keith Lasley to admire.
Fortunately the standard improved in the second period as Townsley ignored the boos from the home crowd to direct an angled volley narrowly wide and Motherwell substitute Steve Ferguson struck the post with a low drive following McFadden's quickly taken free-kick