Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland at BBSP Stadium

These two sides seem fairly evenly matched on the early evidence in a match where chances have been rare despite plenty of industry and commitment.

The best opportunity fell to St Johnstone's Callum Hendry, while Kilmarnock haven't managed much direct threat other than when Chris Burke tried to race clear.

Both managers will be looking for more quality in the final third.

County players scream for a penalty as Harry Paton goes down in the penalty box following a coming together with Mark Connolly.

But it's fair to say the Canadian midfielder went down looking for it as the referee shows him a yellow card.

Image source, SNS

St Johnstone midfielder Ali McCann holds up a hand by way of apology as his over-hit cross drifts out of play and ends the visitors' attack.

There's some good football being played in midfield in the summer sunshine, but neither team can find the killer pass just yet.

We might be short of clear-cut openings in Dingwall after 20 minutes, but we're not short on intensity so far.

Both sides really are trying to move the ball quickly in the hope of creating something.

Another effort from a corner for St Mirren's Joe Shaughnessy as the defender volleys Cameron MacPherson's corner towards goal and a deflection takes it wide.

Scott Tanser passes to Liam Craig and the Saints midfielder sends a hopeful ball into the Killie box.

Goalkeeper Danny Rogers drops the ball, but striker Callum Hendry can't get his shot on target and blazes over the bar.

Half chance for the hosts as exciting young full-back Josh Reid bombs up the left and swings in a ball to Billy Mckay.

But there is just too much on the delivery as the striker can't quite reach it.

St Mirren goalkeeper Jak Alnwick parries the ball over his head after a strike by David Moyo but recovers in time to clutch it before it bounces over the line.

Another day, another Kilmarnock penalty claim denied - and another involving evergreen winger Chris Burke.

Saints defender Liam Gordon chases Burke into the box and, well, leans on him just enough to send him hurtling.

After two strong claims for a spot-kick were turned down in Dingwall in midweek, I think we may hear Killie boss Alex Dyer comment on this after the game.

It's been a bit of a frantic start here in Dingwall.

Both sides are playing with pace and purpose while not shying away from challenges.

Could be in for an entertaining one here!

Now it's Hamilton's turn to go close with David Templeton standing over a free-kick.

The winger's first effort is blocked by the wall, but on the rebound he blasts the ball through a sea of legs and St Mirren goalkeeper Jak Alnwick gets down to his right to beat it away.

Kyle McAllister's near-post corner from the left is flicked towards goal by Joe Shaughnessy and Accies goalkeeper Ryan Fulton has to be sharp to make the save.

We're off around the three grounds. Lovely day for it out there. Let's hope we have action to match.

St Johnstone manager Callum Davidson has been explaining why he has made three changes.

"One of the changes has been forced on us - the other two players have been champing at the bit to get a game," he tells Sportsound.

"It was a hard, physical game against Rangers on Wednesday night, so a little bit of freshness will give us a spark today.

"Overall, I'm really happy but just looking to get points on the board.

"It's a tough place to come and get a result but we have a plan in place."

Kilmarnock manager Alex Dyer has explained to Sportsound why he is sticking with the same starting line-up.

"The boys who are playing at the moment have done well," he says. "They have another chance to do it again today."

Dyer has again praised veteran former Scotland winger Chris Burke.

"Chris Burke has a zest for life. Even though he is 36, he still wants to learn and give it his all," he says. "He gives the club a good sense of belonging.

"It's going to be a tough game, but we're at home and we'll be on the front foot a little bit."

Image source, SNS

County manager Stuart Kettlewell tells Sportsound: "We're satisfied with our start and we see today as an opportunity to make it better.

"Dundee United have started well, so it's a decent game in prospect."

United are without Lawrence Shankland for the third game running, but Kettlewell is keen to emphasise the fact that won't today's task in hand any easier.

"If we go in here thinking the task is easier, we will be shot in the foot," he adds. "We need to treat this game with a lot of respect."