Kilmarnock 0 – 0 St Mirren

Kilmarnock failed to capitalize on Ethan Erhahon’s early red card as they were held to a 0-0 draw by St Mirren at Rugby Park.

The Saints midfielder was given his marching orders in the seventh minute by referee Grant Irvine after catching Rory McKenzie in the face with his arm.

The home side failed to take advantage of their numerical advantage though, with Christian Doidge coming closest with a late header which was also saved by Saints keeper Trevor Carson.

It was a game of low chances and quality although St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson will leave Rugby Park the happier for both managers as his side took the points despite an early dismissal.

Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes made just one change from last season’s impressive win over Aberdeen, with Blair Alston replacing Liam Donnelly, while Eamonn Brophy and Greg Kiltie came on for Mark O’Hara and Jonah Ayunga as the visitors made two changes.

The defining moment of the match came in the seventh minute as Erhahon needlessly caught McKenzie with a stray arm on the halfway line.

The incident happened on the ball and right under the nose of referee Irvine who wasted no time in issuing a red card.

St. Mirren boss Stephen Robinson was forced to shuffle the pack to account for the dismissal and Brophy sacrifice against his old club, for defensive midfielder Alex Gogic.

The Rugby Park side looked to make the numerical advantage count and Liam Polworth had the first shot of the game in the 14th minute but the effort was too close to Carson.

Carson was also called into action before the half-hour mark and he had to be at his best to keep out a rasping drive from Alston.

The away side were content to play on the counter-attack and the first chance came moments later as Keanu Baccus sent a crisp half volley just wide of the post from 20 yards.

Kilmarnock enjoyed plenty of possession but they struggled to break down the St Mirren defense as the first half drew to a close.

They started the second half with more intent, Alston and Ben Chrisene both seeing shots blocked within the first two minutes of the restart.

Ten Saints had chances of their own, and Kilmarnock keeper Sam Walker had to be alert to block Ryan Strain’s dangerous cross, before Baccus scored on the volley when found by Curtis Main.

It was a disappointing match and when the match was played the home supporters were frustrated as Kilmarnock failed to take advantage of all possession.

Kilmarnock midfielder Lewis Mayo almost became an unlikely hero in the 75th minute when he popped up on the right wing and headed in a cross that just flew past Carson.

The home side went even closer in the 82nd minute as Chrisene’s dangerous cross found Doidge, but his header was kept out by the injury-prone Carson.

And it was St Mirren who almost emerged with an unlikely victory as substitute Alex Greive swiveled in the box but could only curl a half-volley over the crossbar as the game ended goalless.

What’s next?

Both teams are back in Scottish Premiership action on Saturday as Kilmarnock go to the leader Celtic, when St Mirren face liver There is a house. Both games kick off at 3pm.