St. Mirren 0 Kilmarnock 0

Last updated : 22 December 2007 By Footymad Previewer
St Mirren and Kilmarnock ground out a dull goalless stalemate in a lack-lustre pre-Christmas affair at Love Street.

It may be a time for reflection and goodwill to mankind as well as the chance for some last-minute Christmas shopping, but anyone unfortunate enough to attend the game must have wished they were trapped in a crowded shopping centre.

Both clubs are lodged at the wrong end of the table, and on this showing have very little hope of escape. A 0-0 draw was to be expected but for the fans perhaps not forgiven.

There was only one real chance to speak of in the first half and it fell to the visitors. Colin Nish was the recipient of some good wing play by Willie Gibson, but the tall striker inexplicably headed wide from six yards out.

The sudden downpour that was unleashed before kick-off certainly did not benefit either side but the precipitation seemed to dampen the attacking enthusiasm of the players.

St Mirren boss, Gus MacPherson, was the first of the mangers to tinker, hauling off home debutant David Barron for the more experienced Alan Reid.

Fellow debutant Craig Dargo was next in line to be taken off by MacPherson as Franco Miranda was introduced with the brief to unlock the Killie defence.

It was the previously inconspicuous Gary Mason who conjured up the best chance for the Buddies midway through the second half. The midfielder was unlucky to see his 25-yard drive flash just wide of the upright with Alan Combe floundering.

Killie cursed the positioning of the post minutes later as Nish looked to have directed Jamie Hamill's cross into the net but the ball flashed agonisingly wide of the upright.

Central defender Andy Millen created the last chance of the match with a minute remaining when he hammered a shot into the box through a ruck of players but Combe gratefully fell on the ball.