Hibernian got their Championship campaign off to a winning start against Livingston thanks to goals from Farid El Alagui and goalkeeper Mark Oxley.

With both Edinburgh clubs competing in the second tier this year, as well as Ally McCoist's Rangers, who begin their season with a home clash against Hearts tomorrow, there is no shortage of competition and Hibernian wasted no time in showing their title credentials this afternoon.

Just 15 minutes had elapsed when El Alagui rose to head home from a corner, and three minutes later Oxley doubled the lead in bizarre fashion when his goal kick sailed into the back of the Livingston net.

Livingston responded through Declan Gallagher, but Hibernian held on for a winning start.

Falkirk meanwhile snatched a 2-2 draw with Jimmy Nicholl's Cowdenbeath, who narrowly avoided relegation last season, thanks to Botti Bia-bi's late leveller.

Fellow promotion contenders Queen of the South secured a 2-0 win over Alloa Athletic, while, In the day's other game, Raith Rovers beat Dumbarton 3-1.

Results in full: Cowdenbeath 2–2 Falkirk, Hibernian 2–1 Livingston, Queen of the South 2–0 Alloa Athletic, Raith Rovers 3-1 Dumbarton