Defending champions Celtic were held to a goalless draw at home to Ross County, who nevertheless slipped to the foot of the table.
Substitute Callum McGregor came closest to breaking the deadlock for a Cetlic side hampered by an early injury to Anthony Stokes.
Second-placed Dundee United threw away a lead to lose 2-1 at St Johnstone, while Hamilton, who are fourth, went down 1-0 at Kilmarnock.
United looked set for victory at McDiarmid Park courtesy of Calum Butcher's 43rd-minute strike.
However, Michael O'Halloran levelled and St Johnstone then grabbed a winner through Chris Millar with four minutes remaining.
There was also late drama at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock securing victory in injury time when substitute Alexei Eremenko found the net with a free-kick.
Kenny McLean scored twice as St Mirren moved above Ross County and into 11th with a 3-1 win at Dundee, who had Paul McGinn sent off.
Motherwell made it two wins out of two under Ian Baraclough as John Sutton's early penalty earned a 1-0 triumph over Partick Thistle.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Aberdeen meet in Sunday's solitary match, with both sides able to move up to second.
