St Johnstone secured a vital point away from home as they survived a late Kilmarnock onslaught to draw 0-0.
Kilmarnock dominated for long periods in the first half, but struggled to test Alan Mannus in the opponent's goal.
Paul Heffernan drew a good save from Mannus with a powerful header as half time approached, but there was little to cheer for either set of fans in the opening 45 minutes.
Mannus was alert to thwart James Barr and Kris Boyd in quick succession as the home side finally carved out some chances on the hour mark, while St Johnstone came close at the other end, as Rory Fallon's header dropped onto the roof of the net.
Boyd almost won the game for Killie with a low drive, but it cannoned back off the foot of the post.
Boyd then struck the underside of the bar and Heffernan was denied once more by Mannus as Kilmarnock pushed for a late winner, but the goalkeeper's heroics ensured his side left with a clean sheet.
Kristian Johnson
