THERE was a sombre air at the Caledonian Stadium with a sense of end-of-an-era and a draw that brought Caley Thistle's lowest points tally since entering the top flight four years ago.
A game played with commendable energy failed fully to ignite
and was more notable, from a home perspective, for the uncertainty over the future of individual players.
Dennis Wyness took what is believed to be his final bow for the club, with contract talks having broken down some weeks ago.
Fellow striker Marius Niculae may yet make Romania's Euro 2008 pool, but there are also doubts over his continued presence, along with that of team-mate Graham Bayne.
The hosts should have taken a fifth-minute lead when Doug Imrie beat two defenders and delivered an inch-perfect cross into the penalty box.
Saints were moving the ball well in flashes, though, and missed a great opportunity when David Barron's cross was just a little too much for Craig Dargo who couldn't connect in the six-yard box.
An Imrie cross eluded everyone in a crowded Saints' box, but fell to Niculae at the far side. His strike smacked the keeper's left-hand post and though Wyness went for the rebound the ball tangled in his legs before John Potter blocked his shot.
Saints opened the second half brightly, Stephen O'Donnell being thwarted by a brilliant block by home keeper Fraser, and had a fine opportunity to break the deadlock as Caley Thistle were reduced to 10 men after 54 minutes.
Proctor was caught for pace by Dargo on the breakaway and the striker tumbled under his tugging arms, leaving referee Eddie Smith with no option but to send him off.
There was much huffing and puffing but it took until the 84th minute for Ryan McCay's cross to cause serious danger. Mehmet struck hard at the target but Fraser was again sharp to save with his legs.
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