Motherwell moved a point closer to Dundee United in third place on Wednesday night after the Steelmen drew 0-0 with Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
Goalkeeper Aston Oxborough had to work hard for his second clean sheet in as many matches, with Killie starting on the front foot from the off.
Marley Watkins looked set to at least hit the target inside the penalty area after just three minutes, but the Kilmarnock forward got the connection wrong, and his effort trundled past the post.
Oxborough produced a sensational save from a corner in the early stages. Joe Wright connected well with a header, but the Motherwell number one clawed the ball to safety.
With a quarter of an hour gone, Motherwell were presented with their first chance of the evening. After a good interchange with Marvin Kaleta, Tony Watt fizzed a low effort at goal, which forced Robbie McCrorie into action.
With Motherwell seemingly growing into the game, that momentum would change three minutes later. After Dan Casey’s pass was intercepted by the Killie backline, Fraser Murray brought the ball forward and fed Brad Lyons, who poked past the keeper. Having celebrated with the jubilant home support, VAR would have its say, ruling the goal out for offside.
Motherwell were digging deep, but they almost conceded on the stroke of half time. Again from a corner, Kilmarnock would create problems. Having had one already ruled out, Lyons was looking to get on the scoresheet, and his header came crashing off the bar. Half time, 0-0.
Neither team made any changes for the second period, and it was Watt who had a shot saved just before the hour mark, which was the first real notable chance of the half.
On 75 minutes, Oxborough was once again called into action, saving well from Watkins. Debutant Kai Andrews was introduced into the action and had an impact straight away.
He won the ball back for his side, Moses Ebiye nutmegged the defender, and set up Watt, who couldn’t get the strike on target. Stephen O’Donnell was presented with a big opportunity to snatch the win, but the full-back watched the ball go wide.
Kilmarnock weren’t done yet, however, and substitute Bruce Anderson had a big chance in stoppage time to win it, but the number nine’s effort didn’t trouble the keeper.
Jack Burroughs had one last chance at the death from a Bobby Wales pass, but Dan Casey was on hand to defend the situation.
Back-to-back clean sheets for the Steelmen, with four points from their last two matches, has them on 31 points, three behind Dundee United in third. Motherwell are on the road again on Saturday, travelling to the capital to face Hibernian.
