Hamilton Academical and Kilmarnock created plenty of chances in the first half of their Scottish Premiership contest, but neither was able to break the deadlock.

The Accies crafted the first meaningful chance of the afternoon in the third minute when Darian MacKinnon struck a half-volley towards goal, forcing Killie goalkeeper Craig Samson into an early save.

Martin Canning's side threatened again in the 16th minute as Daniel Redmond slid a pass through to Jason Scotland and the veteran striker fired narrowly over after turning well.

Killie had the chance to open the scoring from a 20th-minute free kick, from which Finland international Alexei Eremenko came within inches of finding the top corner.

The visitors had Samson to thank for keeping them on level terms just before the half-hour mark when he pulled off an exceptional save to deny Ali Crawford from close range.

Both sides finished the half strongly, with Mackinnon forcing Samson into another good stop minutes before the break, while Rory McKenzie twisted and turned in the Accies box and tested Michael McGovern with a curling strike.