Boyd earns point for Killie
Kilmarnock were left searching for their first win of the season despite a spirited comeback against Partick in the Scottish Premiership.
Thistle dominated the first half at Firhill and headed into half-time with a deserved lead after Aaron Muirhead successfully converted from the penalty spot.
Killie threw themselves a lifeline after the break thanks to a Kris Boyd leveller early in the second half but could not find a second goal to secure the elusive victory as the match ended 1-1.
Defender Ismael Bouzid went straight into their starting line-up after signing this week, while Partick were boosted by the return of Conrad Balatoni from injury.
It was the home side who started strongly and they had the ball in the back of the net after just four minutes.
But Kris Doolan's close-range effort was disallowed by referee Bobby Madden for handball in the build-up.
The visitors were able to breathe a sigh of relief following the early scare.
But they were forced to make their first change a couple of minutes later when Jeroen Tesselaar went off with a head knock and was replaced by Rory McKeown.
Killie were then dealt a further blow when they found themselves trailing after 11 minutes.
The referee pointed to the spot following a high challenge from Manuel Pascali on Steven Lawless and Muirhead confidently lashed home the penalty.
Partick set about looking for a second goal and Craig Samson was called into action to block a Doolan header, before preventing Lawless from hitting the back of the net with a half volley.
The Killie keeper then came to the rescue again, this time with a great reflex save to turn Doolan's shot just past the upright.
At the other end, Barry Nicholson almost hauled Kilmarnock level but his header fell across the face of goal and wide of the target.
Partick could have doubled their advantage on the stroke of half-time when Kallum Higginbotham met Sean Welsh's cross with a header that was just tipped over by Samson at full-stretch.
Instead, it was Kilmarnock who had the net bulging two minutes after the restart when Boyd threw himself in front of Sean Clohessy's cross and left Scott Fox with no chance with a great header.
It was the boost the Ayrshire side needed and the Partick goalkeeper was called into action again seconds later to swipe another Boyd header to safety.
Killie looked far more dangerous after the break and a Bouzid header was blocked by Fox before Boyd rifled over.
Both sides looked determined to bag the goal that could be the winner and only the woodwork prevented Thistle from celebrating again when Christie Elliott's shot smashed off the post.
The lively-looking substitute then had another go but this time his effort swerved wide, before he was denied by a one-handed save from Samson.
Source: PA
Source: PA