After starting so well, it sadly fell into typical SPL mediocrity and certainly would not have enhanced Gordon Chisholm's chances of retaining his job as yet again the Tangerine faithful booed off his troops
It was a promising start from both teams with United's David Fernandez skying an easy third minute chance. Then the visitors created their first opening in the ninth minute. As United's defence stood looking at each other, James Fowler ran on and his 20-yard strike was partially held by Derek Stillie. Garry Wales followed up only be denied by a despairing Paul Ritchie lunge.
With greater muscle in the midfield, despite having one man less, the Ayrshire men continued to have the bulk of possession, but the Tangerines came close in the 20th minute when David McCracken's header crashed off the bar, but he was adjudged to have fouled KrisBoyd.
A wonderful flowing move on the break from Killie four minutes later ended with the busy Fowler volleying over from 14 yards with Stille a spectator. And with two minutes before the break, the troublesome Danny Invincible once again outpaced the sleeping Barry Robson to volley over from 12 yards.
With the game crying out for a goal, the second half almost opened up with a bang when Boyd took advantage of a break, but the big striker normally so lethal against United was amazingly blocked by Stillie.
Then the ball swung to the other end with Robson's left-sided cross being met by the unmarked Peter Canero, but with the goal gaping he slipped as headed the ball from only six yards.
Fernandez was denied a 60th minute penalty when Gordon Greer wrapped his arms around his head, but the officials denied him which frustrated the Spaniard into a yellow card.
At the other end, in the 78th minute Gary McDonald curled the ball around the post from four yards when it looked easier to score.
Then there was another penalty shout at the other end which nearly burst Jefferies' blood vessels when Stillie fell on top of Boyd. The official saw this as accidental, or perhaps to even up the Fernandez claim
With the seconds ticking away, substitute Colin Samuel almost won it for the Terrors with a thumping 20-yard shot which flew off the base of the post with Alan Combe beaten.