St Johnstone missed the chance to extend their lead at the top of the William Hill Championship after being held to another frustrating goalless draw by strugglers Ross County at McDiarmid Park.
Saints were looking to get back on track after playing out a stalemate at home against Ayr last weekend.
Winger Kai Fotheringham struck a post in the first half as Simo Valakari’s side had to settle for just a point once again.
Second-placed Partick Thistle, though, failed to make up ground after they needed a stoppage-time equaliser from Alex Samuel to rescue a 1-1 draw at Morton
Tomi Adeloye headed in from a corner after 23 minutes, which looked to have been enough to give Morton a first home league win – only for Samuel to nod home late on.
Arbroath took full advantage to thump Queen’s Park 4-1 at Gayfield Park, which saw them climb to third.
Gavin Reilly fired in from close range to give the hosts a ninth-minute lead.
Taylor Steven, on loan from St Johnstone, got his first goal for the Red Lichties on the half-hour mark, with veteran forward Ryan Dow then clipping home a free-kick just before the break.
Timam Scott pulled a late goal back for the Spiders – who drop into the bottom two below Ross County on goal difference – and Findlay Marshall then hit Arbroath’s fourth with three minutes left.
Ayr won 2-0 at Raith Rovers to move above their hosts into fourth.
Midfielder Mark McKenzie gave the visitors an early lead in Fife with his fourth goal in as many games before Jamie Murphy tucked away a penalty in the 32nd minute.
