Paisley point for travelling Killie

St Mirren 1 Kilmarnock 1

ST MIRREN failed to clinch a second successive victory in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League as Cammy Bell helped Kilmarnock earn a hardfought point at St Mirren Park.

Liam Ke l ly f ired Kilmarnock ahead from the penalty spot after just four minutes when James Dayton was brought down inside the box.

St Mirren pushed for an equaliser and Bell made three fantastic saves before finally conceding to Paul McGowan’s penalty midway through the second half.

There were late chances for Jim Goodwin and David Barron but the Rugby Park side held out for a point.

A bumper travelling support of over 2,000 roared Kilmarnock on in the early stages and they were soon rewarded as referee Brian Colvin pointed at the spot after Barron fouled Dayton.

Kelly stepped up to take the resulting kick and duly drilled the ball low beyond Craig Samson.

Kilmarnock boss Kenny Shiels was left fuming at the decision to award St Mirren a penalty, insisting referees must front up to questioning after contentious calls are made.

Referee Brian Colvin pointed to the spot with after Dougie Imrie was brought down by Mark O’Hara and Paul McGowan stepped up to fire past Cammy Bell to cancel out Liam Kelly’s opener.

Shiels felt the penalty award was harsh on his team, and threatened to refuse to comment on referees’ performances until the officials themselves are put before the microphones.

He said: “I have to watch what I say, Mark was unlucky. Lets put things into perspective, I’m the manager of Kilmarnock and I’m going to be biased towards my team.

“If you want me to speak about decisions in a game then interview the referee, I will talk all day long in response to what he has said.”