Substitute Mark Corcoran's equaliser 15 minutes from time handed St Mirren their first away point since the start of November and foiled Kilmarnock's attempt to move up to fourth in the Bank of Scotland SPL table.

The former Hamilton winger's first goal in the top flight was St Mirren's first away from Love Street since the middle of October and, on the back of last week's fine draw with Hearts, is another terrific boost to their hopes of avoiding relegation.

Corcoran's strike for Gus MacPherson's spirited outfit cancelled out Paul Di Giacomo's effort nine minutes into the second half, his third goal in the last two games.

Jim Jefferies' side mounted the first attack, Colin Nish latching on to a flick from Danny Invincibile - who passed a fitness test on his bruised foot - in the fourth minute and firing low at Buddies keeper Tony Bullock, who handled the danger without alarm.

The visitors replied two minutes later by almost taking the lead when Simon Lappin pulled the ball back from the goalline and John Sutton drilled a fine effort inches wide of Graeme Smith's right-hand post.

The action at both ends was not a good early indicator of what was to follow in the first quarter of the match as the game settled into a period of stalemate with both defences in command and the respective midfields lacking in creativity.

A contributing factor in the stalemate were the injuries which kept Gary Wales out for the Ayrshire side and Stewart Kean, a two-goal hero against Hearts last weekend, for the Buddies.

Their absences meant Di Giacomo continued up front for Killie while Alex Burke was drafted in against his former club for St Mirren.

It took until the 27th minute for a third piece of goalmouth action and it came at the visitors' end when Steven Naismith wriggled free in a crowded box to shoot low towards the bottom corner.

Bullock parried well and, when the highly-rated Killie youngster pounced on the rebound, the former Dundee United keeper smothered his second effort.

It started a better period of possession for the home side and Naismith, courted by Arsenal earlier this season, tried his luck with a 25-yard drive just after the half-hour mark which flew narrowly over the bar.

St Mirren gained more of a grip on midfield for the remainder of the half though, which meant a return to the earlier tame fare and a frustrating first half for the home side.

Killie thought they had made the perfect start to the half when Naismith burst through the Buddies' defence, chipped the ball over Bullock and headed into the net from close range - but as he began to celebrate he turned to see the assistant referee's flag raised for offside.

However nine minutes in to the second period the home side did take the lead when Di Giacomo beat St Mirren's lop-sided offside trap to collect Allan Johnston's clever pass over the top and curl the ball into the top right-hand corner.

Three minutes later Jefferies' men - unrecognisable from their lethargic first-half showing - came close to doubling their advantage when Naismith headed Invincibile's cross against the bar with Bullock completely helpless.

In a bid to produce a similar turnaround in his own side, MacPherson made a double substitution in the 63rd minute, former Killie men Andy Millen and Burke being replaced by Richard Brittain and Corcoran.

It had exactly the desired effect when Brittain slid the ball through for Corcoran to end his goal drought for the Buddies away from home and bring his side level.

Killie almost restored their lead immediately but efforts from Naismith and Nish were both blocked by desperate challenges from St Mirren defenders.

And five minutes from time Invincibile was picked out by Di Giacomo on the penalty spot but the Australian lashed wildly over the bar.

Killie continued to press for a late winner but could not find a decisive end to their pressure as the visitors held on for a point.

Teams:

Kilmarnock Smith, Grant Murray, Hay, Frazer Wright, Greer,Fowler, Johnston, Naismith, Invincibile, Nish, Di Giacomo.

Subs Not Used: Combe, Ford, Dodds, Stephen Murray, Leven,

Adams, Campbell.

Goals: Di Giacomo 54.

St Mirren Bullock, van Zanten, Broadfoot,Millen (Brittain 63), McGowne, Potter, Murray, Lappin, Brady,Sutton, Burke (Corcoran 63).

Subs Not Used: Smith, Reid, Mackay, McKenna, Gemmill.

Booked: Potter.

Goals: Corcoran 75.

Att: 5,978

Ref: M McCurry (Scotland).