Hamilton Academical 0-0 Partick Thistle

Partick Thistle moved off the bottom of the Scottish Premiership following a goalless stalemate with fellow strugglers Hamilton Academical.

Danny Devine's dipping volley was kept out by Hamilton goalkeeper Gary Woods early on.

Kris Doolan fired against the post for Thistle and Accies' Dougie Imrie headed wide just before the break.

Miles Storey's cross hit the Hamilton bar in the second half and the hosts' David Templeton also threatened.

• 'Ref didn't want to make big decision'

The result ends Hamilton's six-game losing run and lifts Thistle off the bottom, though they have played two games more than basement side Kilmarnock, who visit Rangers on Wednesday.

A point apiece was no more than either side deserved from a game that was seriously low on quality.

It bore all the hallmarks of a contest between two teams desperate to avoid defeat - long balls, overhit passes and little composure.

Thistle had looked the more likely to make something happen early on, with Devine's volley from outside the box forcing a smart save from Woods in the opening minutes.

Recent signing Antonio Rojano still awaits his first Hamilton goal

They went closer still when Accies gave up cheap possession deep in their own territory and Kris Doolan manoeuvred himself into a shooting position only to see his effort come off the post. Woods got down well to save Paul McGinn's rebound.

Accies gradually clawed their way into the match and claimed for a penalty when Jordan Turnbull clambered over Greg Docherty.

Referee Steven McLean saw nothing wrong with that but he did penalise Thistle's Niall Keown for bringing Antonio Rojano to the ground on the cusp of half-time.

But while Accies wanted a spot-kick, the official said the offence had taken place just outside the box and Imrie nodded Steven Boyd's delivery wide.

If the watching spectators thought the fare could only improve in the second period, they were to be disappointed.

The introduction of Templeton looked like it might give Accies the spark they were lacking as he fashioned a quick opportunity, but his final effort drifted narrowly wide.

Storey became the second Thistle player to strike the woodwork, albeit from a wayward cross, though if a winning goal had come in such a manner it would have been fitting.

The visitors made a strong penalty claim of their own when Ryan Edwards insisted forlornly his goalbound effort had come off an Accies hand.

Martin Canning's side might have secured all three points in the closing stages had Templeton not hammered wide from Imrie's cutback.

The former Hearts and Rangers player should have at least hit the target but ultimately could not make Cerny work.

In truth a winner was more than the game deserved.