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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Lochlin Highet

Kilmarnock 1 St Johnstone 1 as Ayrshire side fail to push away from danger zone

Kilmarnock failed to capitalise on a chance to push themselves away from the Scottish Premiership danger zone this afternoon.

The Ayrshire side took the lead thanks to a Joe Wright header in the first half, but Drey Wright's long-range effort ensured the spoils were shared at Rugby Park.

Killie thought they'd taken the lead through Kyle Vassell, but VAR ruled it out for handball.

And VAR played its part again in the second half when a Saints defender clearly handled the ball in the area as Killie screamed for a penalty, but play was waved on after a check.

It was a great opportunity for the Ayrshire side as Dundee United drew 1-1 and Ross County lost 2-1, but they failed to make those results count.

Killie had a great chance to take the lead after seven minutes when Dan Armstrong rifled a free-kick from 20 yards towards goal, but it was well saved by Remi Matthews.

Armstrong had another great chance in the 18th minute when he crept in at the back post to meet a cross, but Matthews pulled off another top save to tip it out for a corner.

From the resulting set-piece Vassell met a cross and smashed home to give his side a deserved lead, but it was ruled out by referee Chris Graham for a handball.

Armstrong was at the heart of a Killie attack again in the 28th minute as he burst a gut to beat the Saints defence and knocked a shot past Matthews which was just inches past the post.

Killie did get their lead in the 38th minute when Wright looped a header over Matthews who appeared to make an error coming for the ball.

Killie had loud shouts for a penalty in the 56th minute when a Saints defender appeared to handle the ball, but after a long VAR check whistler Graham waved play on.

The visitors grabbed an equaliser when Wright smashed home from distance into Sam Walker’s right-hand corner, a goal not too dissimilar to Inverness’ winner against Killie last week.

Fraser Murray had a great chance in the 90th minute as he cut inside searching for a winner and curled an effort towards goal, but Matthews tipped it away well.

It wasn't to be for Killie as they failed to find a much-needed winner.

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