Kilmarnock 1-1 St Mirren: Kyle Magennis own goal cancels out Brad Lyons opener
- Published
Brad Lyons forced the error that led to his opener for Kilmarnock
Kyle Magennis' own goal secured a point for second-placed St Mirren against Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership.
The opportunistic Brad Lyons headed Kilmarnock in front after he forced an error in the St Mirren defence.
The visitors levelled when Scott Tanser's cross was turned in by Magennis before the break.
Stephen Robinson's side move three points clear of Rangers and are four points off leaders Celtic. Derek McInnes' Kilmarnock remain eighth and are four points clear of bottom spot.
St Mirren started brightly but were their own undoing after Mark O'Hara's pass back to Dunne put the defender under pressure.
His clearance ricocheted high into the air off Lyons and the midfielder beat goalkeeper Zach Hemming to the loose ball to score. Hemming seemed perturbed by the challenge but the goal stood.
Having endured a period of pressure, the visitors carved their way back into the contest when Tanser broke clear on the left and delivered towards the back post.
Magennis was isolated as he slid in to put the ball into his own net, though attacker Keanu Baccus was waiting on the right.
Magennis' day went from bad to worse moments later as he trudged off injured to be replaced by David Watson.
The second half descended into something of a chess match, with Ryan Strain's booking for simulation after a coming together with Watson the only real talking point.
Liam Polworth had a late chance for the home side but could not keep it down.
Player of the match - Scott Tanser
With his assist and a second-half header, the St Mirren wing-back (right) was one of their main threats
Final third frustrations for both teams - analysis
Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes spoke pre-match of a desire to get crosses into St Mirren's box but were all too often forced into central areas.
The hosts struggled to get right winger Danny Armstrong into the game, which was welcome for St Mirren.
St Mirren were more adept at getting the ball wide but when Killie began to cope with that, Toyosi Olusanya was sent on in place of Mikael Mandron to target the inside channels but again the home side were up to the challenge.
In the end, a point apiece seemed fair but neither team will look back on this game as vintage.
What they said
Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes: "A lot of credit to Brad Lyons, he was second favourite for his goal. He showed the determination that we're just needing a wee bit more of in the final third to score a goal. Terrific bravery.
"We just didn't enjoy being in front enough. We switch off in the wider area and the cross comes in from [Scott] Tanser. It's unfortunate, Kyle Magennis - he's doing his job, matching a run. Maybe a draw was a fair result."
St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson: "A terrific defensive performance. Great defending. I thought we were good at times, really organised, really solid. We showed great character again to come back into the game and remain undefeated.
"Kilmarnock have proved against the top sides here that they can cause real, real problems. So, this is a brilliant result for us, a superb result, a really gritty, strong performance. It keeps us in second place as well."
What's next?
Kilmarnock finish up before the international break away to champions Celtic on Saturday (15:00 BST) with St Mirren host Rangers next Sunday (12:00).