St Johnstone were held to a disappointing draw at McDiarmid Park by Hamilton in a game that will not linger long in the memory banks.
It was the fifth match in a row that Saints have failed to win or even score a goal.
The first-half was very much a grim war of attrition with both sides struggling to fashion clear-cut opportunities.
Saints Steven MacLean had a half chance in the fourth minute when he got his head to a Brian Easton corner but the ball landed on the roof of Michael McGovern’s net.
Then in the 19th minute, MacLean turned provider to tee up Graham Cummins but the big striker scuffed his shot and his effort was easily gathered by McGovern.
As the half progressed, St Johnstone began to dominate territory and possession but without any end product and the last opportunity of the opening 45 fell to Accies with Greg Docherty trying his luck from long-range but his drive was comfortably held by home keeper Alan Mannus.
The second-half followed a similar pattern to the first with chances a rarity.
In fact it was not until the 64th minute that there was one of note when Accies Darian MacKinnon hit a shot which took a wicked deflection and flew just past Mannus’s post.
Shortly after, 20-year-old Craig Thomson, who had been a lively presence throughout for Saints, hit a first-time effort from 14 yards which flew just over McGovern’s bar.
Hamilton had another chance in the 80th minute when sub Carlton Morris headed over from close range following a scramble in the Saints box.
The home side then had a huge shout for a penalty when a Thomson cross from the right into the Accies box seemed to be handled by Ziggy Gordon but referee Andrew Dallas was not convinced.
In the 88th minute, St Johnstone could have sealed a late win but sub John Sutton’s header was kept out by some desperate defending before the ball was gathered by McGovern.
For full report, reaction and analysis, see Monday’s Courier.