TOM Walsh was the saviour for St Mirren on Saturday as he rescued a point in the closing stages at Ayr United.

The 1-1 draw will do nothing to encourage supporters as the Buddies’ disappointing start to the season continued, they are still winless and have two points from a possible 12.

After last week's feeble surrender to Hibs, St Mirren manager Alex Rae made three changes to his team. The inured Lewis Morgan dropped out along with Lawrence Shankland and Tom Walsh. They were replaced by Jordan Stewart, David Clarkson and Ryan Hardie.

There was a change of shape for Saints from the usual 4-4-2 as Rae went for a back three of Jason Naismith, Andy Webster and Jack Baird. Stewart and Gary Irvine started as wing backs, the midfield three was made up of Stevie Mallan and Kyle Hutton slightly with David Clarkson more advanced while John Sutton partnered Ryan Hardie up front.

Stewart was given a tough introduction as Ayr right back Nicky Devlin skinned him to get to the byline, Stewart lunged in and picked up a deserved booking with the free kick coming to nothing.

The home side had a host of set piece chances in the opening stages, which the Buddies dealt with, up until the 14th minute. Brian Gilmour flighted in a great free kick from the left and Jamie Adams made it his as he rose highest to head the Honest Men in front.

Ayr were the dominant side as Saints looked uncomfortable in their new system. In the 24th minute they fashioned their first chance of the game. Hardie did well chasing a lost cause and win possession of the right, his cross was too long for Sutton but the striker delivered his own cross back in for the on rushing Clarkson however he couldn't keep his volley on target.

Saints were being exposed badly at times, Gary Harkins was finding space just off the front and causing problems. Following an Ayr breakaway the ball came to the former Dundee man in the box and just when it looked like he would double the lead he elected to pass it instead, but the ball went loose and the danger was cleared.

Half-time 1-0 Saints started the second half with purpose. Hardie had a sight at goal after being played through by Stewart but his shot was blocked and he was eventually crowded out.

The Buddies continued to put pressure on without finding the final pass to cut Ayr open. Rae made a bold change on the hour when he replaced Stewart with Walsh, the on loan Rangers winger would play at left full back.

That outlet very nearly paid off for St Mirren in the 66th minute. Walsh swung in a cross from the left which was right onto Clarkson's head, the forward flicked his neck to divert the ball to the far corner but it dropped just wide of the post.

With 13 minutes to go Mallan had a strike from 20 yards after being teed up by Walsh but he didn't connect properly and Greg Fleming gathered easily.

It was looking like Saints would go home empty handed but Walsh had other ideas. A long throw from Shankland in the 89th minute bounced through to the back post and Walsh stooped to head Saints level.

In the dying embers both side had chances to win it. First Sutton's side foot effort from 12 yards was blocked by Fleming before Harkins went close for Ayr.

Ayr United: Fleming, Devlin, Boyle, Gilmour, Murphy, Harkins, Cairney (Crawford, 80) Adams, Nisbet (Forrest, 63) Megatt, Docherty.

Subs not used: Hart, Rose, Thomas, McGuffie, O'Connell.

St Mirren: Gallacher, Naismith, Baird, Webster, Irvine, Stewart (Walsh, 60), Mallan, Hutton (Shankland, 70) Hardie, Sutton, Clarkson.

Subs not used: Langfield, McLear, Whyte, Gordon, McDonald.

Referee: Crawford Allan Attendance: 2, 165