Goalkeeper Paul Gallacher denied Steven Thompson a goalscoring debut for St Mirren as his penalty save salvaged a 0-0 draw for Dunfermline Athletic on their return to the Scottish Premier League.

Gallacher pushed away Thompson's 42nd-minute effort after another John Potter, who had left Paisley for Dunfermline in the summer, had conceded the penalty.

After four years out of the top flight, Dunfermline found St Mirren's passing and movement difficult to deal with, especially in the first half, and rarely threatened going forward, although they twice came close from Martin Hardie free-kicks.