GARY MACKENZIE believes a hard-earned point at Dunfermline on Saturday is compelling evidence that St Mirren have what it takes to beat the drop to League One.

The Fifers had been the form side in the division and are now knocking on the door for a play-off place.

And while Saints were under pressure for long spells and rode their luck at times in a 1-1 draw at East End Park, their grit and endeavour was not in dispute.

MacKenzie was the epitome of that effort, having conceded a 36th minute penalty that was converted by Kallum Higginbotham but equalising with a towering header from Stevie Mallan’s corner a minute into the second half

He said: “It’s a good point away from home after going a goal behind. It was a test of character after last week when we were really poor so I think in the second half we showed we’ve got a bit about us.

“We took the game to them, got a goal and it could have gone either way. But all in all, taking a point away from home coming to a team that’s on a good run of form is very positive.

“I don’t think giving away the penalty was the test of character - it was the whole game, going a goal behind and then you ask real questions of yourself and your team.

“I’ve played football for a long time now and these things happen, it’s part and parcel of playing football.

“Obviously having given away the penalty you want to redeem yourself but everybody has to chip in with goals from every area of the park. It’s important over the course of the season so I’m happy with that.

“We came out second half and had a proper go, I don’t think anyone left anything in the tank. We gave everything we could pushing for the win but we’ll take the point, it’s not a bad result.”

It was quiet start for loan signings Craig Storie and Rory Loy and Saints again lacked a goal threat, but it was another encouraging outing from winger Kyle McAllister

MacKenzie hopes the performance represents small shoots of recovery as they try to eat into the seven-point and eight-point advantages held by Ayr and Dumbarton.

He said: “We said a couple of weeks ago after getting back-to-back wins that could be the turning point but then we were unlucky against Ayr when we felt we should have won and that slowed the wheels again.

“But the manager has freshened up the squad, brought in some decent players and there’s still loads of games to go.

“After the disappointment of last week there are encouraging signs that we are there to fight and when asked questions we can stand up and answer them.”

Former Partick Thistle winger Higginbotham reckons The Pars blew the chance to get closer to fourth-placed Falkirk but still believe they’re on course for the play-offs.

He said: “We should have won the game so that’s frustrating but if we play as well as we can, I still believe we will be the play-offs come the end of the season.

“This squad is capable of playing in the Premiership. It’s not just the starting XI. Look at the quality on the bench too. If we are in the play-offs, then we will have a fantastic chance.”