Craig Bryson scored his first two Kilmarnock
goals and set up another as the Ayrshire side claimed their first
Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League win since Boxing Day,
over Hibernian.
Aberdeen were first to threaten, when within minutes of kick-off Lee
Miller flicked on for strike partner Darren Mackie to force a fine save
from Combe.
However, it was one of few first-half opportunities for Aberdeen, as
the home side took control of proceedings.
The Dons defence was struggling to adjust to their 3-5-2 shape, and
confusion among the back line gifted Danny Invincibile an opening.
The Australian's control was poor and he shot wide, but after 14
minutes the home side were rewarded for their industry.
Jamie Hamill did well to rescue a stray Mehdi Taouil pass, and
release Alan Johnston on the right.
His cross into the box was met at the far post by Craig Bryson
who volleyed the ball past Dons keeper Derek Soutar.
With the Dons unable to find any fluency manager Jimmy Calderwood
shuffled his pack as early as the 27th minute.
Striker Sone Aluko replaced defender Josh Walker as Calderwood
reverted to a 4-4-2 formation.
Aluko added more urgency to the Dons' play, and his cross after 30
minutes was met by Miller only for the striker's header to be blocked by
teammate Mackie.
However, Jim Jefferies' men were dominating the play and they doubled
their lead four minutes from half-time.
Bryson swung in a corner that Souter flapped at, but the keeper
recovered to parry Hamill's fierce shot.
The ball arrived again at the feet of Bryson who picked out
Frazer Wright, (right) and the defender nodded into the net from six
yards.
Calderwood made more changes at the break with his team emerging in a
4-2-4 shape.
But Kilmarnock were first to go close when Hamill intercepted a stray
Dons pass and carried the ball 30 yards before unleashing a powerful
drive that went just wide.
Lee Mair should have put Aberdeen back into the match, but he
contrived to head Barry Nicholson's cross over from close range.
Soutar then kept the Dons in the game by saving at the feet Johnston.
However, with 15 minutes remaining a number of the travelling support
decided to begin the long journey home.
Invincibile's cross from the right was converted by Bryson
(right)
from an almost identical position to the midfielder's opener.
With the game already beyond them Aberdeen forced in a bizarre
consolation.
As the clock ran down Kilmarnock keeper Alan Combe fumbled the ball
through his legs and into the net under pressure from Chris Maguire, for
an undeserved consolation goal.
Sandy's Match Pic's are
HERE
41
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