Hamilton extended their lead over second-bottom Partick Thistle to eight points after achieving a vital draw at home to Airdrie. The visitors played most of the match with just 10 men after referee Dougie McDonald was left with no option but to dismiss Paul Lovering after 19 minutes. Jean-Phillipe Javary put in a late tackle on Lovering, but the full-back needlessly reacted by swinging his arm across Javary's face.
In the initial stages, Airdrie piled on all the pressure. They were unlucky not to take the lead in the second minute when a superb Alan Gow free-kick from the edge of the box was tipped just over by David McEwan.
After Lovering's dismissal, Hamilton's Mark Corcoran went through on goal but shot lacked pace and James McArthur's effort went just over.
Airdrie's Stephen McKeown and Hamilton's Pat Keogh both had chances before Hamilton were awarded a penalty after 42 minutes when the linesman adjudged Kevin Christie to have held back Corcoran. Lee Hardy's penalty was blocked by Mark McGeown low to his right, but Hardy tucked away the rebound.
Airdrie equalised before the half was out. Alan Gow's corner from the left found a crowded six-yard box, and after Hamilton failed to clear their lines Christie directed his shot into the corner of the net.
There was little real action after the break. Airdrie's Neil McGowan went off injured a after a late tackle by Pat Keogh, and Hardy went close on a couple of occasions for Hamilton.