THE SPL split may not have people perching on the end of their seats, but at least it gives this weekend a welcome sense of purpose for Kilmarnock.

The Rugby Park side will have to wait another few days before they can cement their place in the top six after they were held to a 1-1 draw against St Mirren at Rugby Park.

"It was a good game of football," said Kenny Shiels, whose side face Dundee next. "I hope now we'll have 6000 or 7000 out on Saturday now."

They could have felt aggrieved last night that they weren't celebrating breaking into the top six after David van Zanten appeared to barge into James Fowler in the penalty box as the game entered its closing stages. However, referee Crawford Allan waved play on and Shiels later dismissed the incident.

If Kilmarnock do succeed in getting into the top half of the table, they will give a pat on the back to one of their old boys who helped them cross the line.

Kris Boyd will not be at Rugby Park for much longer than a few months. The 29-year-old spent a chunk of this season training with Rangers at Murray Park and there will be few who will raise an eyebrow if, as expected, he is back at Ibrox come September.

While his lumbering figure suggests he needs a fair bit of work on his fitness, he showed that his instinct in the six-yard box and his ability to pounce remains relatively sharp, evident when he nicked in front of Marc McAusland to level things for Kilmarnock.

It was Killie's cue to batter Saints for the remainder of the game, although it had been St Mirren who had headed into the break in the ascendancy.

Danny Lennon's men had Esmael Goncalves to thank for the half-time lead after the striker had powered in an effort after nipping in front of Mark O'Hara and latching on to van Zanten's through ball.

The Paisley side's boss Danny Lennon was happy and said: "It was a well-earned point. We played some beautiful football in the first-half and showed our character and determination in the second.

"Esmael's a strong lad, an honest lad and he is a pleasure to work with. I'm delighted that he got another goal to show for his efforts."