91Èȱ¬

Ten-man Partick Thistle held out for an away point against a Hamilton Academical side that just could not find the back of the net.

Frederic Frans was sent off after 25 minutes for Thistle following two bookable offences.

Ali Crawford had a series of chances for the home side, but was denied by a combination of poor finishing and wonderful goalkeeping from Tomas Cerny.

Greg Docherty came closest for Accies but his shot hit back off the post.

As Scottish summer rain gave way to sunshine both sides seemed to be relishing the start of the new season.

On a heavily-watered new artificial surface, both sides were keen to get the ball down and play some attractive, quick passing football.

But the first major incident was ugly. Thistle defender Frederic Frans - who had been booked earlier for a foul on Christian Nade - was shown a second yellow by referee Brian Colvin after a bad tackle on Latvian Antons Kurakins.

Accies dominated the play but struggled to create chances. From a Dougie Imrie cross, Chris Turner's headed effort went high over the bar.

Despite being down to 10 men, the visitors carved open Hamilton, but the shot from Sean Welsh was well saved by Michael McGovern.

Right after that Ali Crawford should have put Accies in front, only to drag his shot wide of target - much to the anguish of the home fans - after a perfect cutback from Dougie Imrie who had robbed Abdul Osman of possession on the right.

It was the same sort of story just before the hour mark. Crawford this time got his shot on target, but it was well saved by ex-Accies goalkeeper Cerny at his near post.

Despite being a man down, Alan Archibald's men still posed a threat on the break; the ever lively Kris Doolan forcing a save from McGovern.

Cerny then produced a wonder save to deny another Crawford effort from flying into the top corner.

A few minutes later Crawford fired in yet another shot which had Cerny scrambling, but the ball flew just wide.

Accies' best chance fell to Greg Docherty. His low shot after a smooth passing move had Cerny beaten, but rebounded back off the post.