Kilmarnock grabbed all three points at Aberdeen
as Ebbe Skovdahl's dismal last season in Scotland continued.
Gary McSwegan scored the only goal of the game
after 65 minutes when he latched on to Peter Canero's deep cross and
stroked in the winner on the half-volley.
Aberdeen tried to get back into the game, but
Kilmarnock were eager to shut up shop and drag them into a midfield
battle.
Killie offered little in the opening 10 minutes
but created the best chance of the first half on the quarter-hour mark.
McSwegan broke free on the right and ran into
space on the flank. He slipped in a low cross for Andy McLaren, who was
breaking into the area.
Unfortunately for Kilmarnock the former Dundee
United winger was unable to get into position in time and had to lunge
at the ball, which spun wide off his knee.
Aberdeen looked marginally the more threatening
in attack and forced a free-kick 30 yards from goal when Alan Mahood
fouled Eric Deloumeaux.
Jamie McAllister appeared destined to hit the
ball, but it was slipped wide for Darren Mackie who sliced his shot well
wide.
Killie started the second half more positively
and forced an opening in the 46th minute.
McLaren broke into the area and looked to have
the beating of David Preece. But the goalkeeper managed to spread his
body well and get in the way of the winger's shot.
Gordon Marshall was troubled for the first time
after an hour. Scott Michie broke down the right and played in a high
ball. The wind blew it towards the top corner, forcing Marshall to
scramble along his line and palm wide.
The Dons threatened once again three minutes
later and forced Marshall into another save.
Kevin Rutkiewicz broke down the right and
delivered a teasing ball into a packed penalty area. Once again the wind
caught the ball, and it hung in the air for Mackie.
His powerful header was on target, but Marshall
managed to dive low and save.
Aberdeen took off Fergus Tiernan, who had a
disappointing match, to be replaced by Scott Muirhead.
But Skovdahl's plan did not work, and Killie
took the lead.
McLaren broke free on the left and fed Canero
who played a deep cross into the area.
The ball was missed by two Aberdeen defenders
and fell for McSwegan, who made no mistake.
Kilmarnock: Marshall, Shields, Locke,
Dillon, Canero, Mahood, Fulton, Hay, McLaren (Boyd 90), Dargo (Fowler
88), McSwegan (Di Giacomo 88).
Subs Not Used: Meldrum, Murray.
Booked: Hay, Dillon, McLaren.
Attendance: 8,861
