Aberdeen consolidated second place in the Scottish Premiership this afternoon as Cameron Smith's goal 20 minutes from time sealed a 2-1 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
Adam Rooney was inches away from connecting with Kenny McLean's cushioned header across goal inside the opening 10 minutes as the visitors began brightly.
Kilmarnock then failed to clear their lines after a deflected shot from Rooney careered around the box, leaving Smith to hammer an effort towards goal that was turned away by Craig Samson.
For all their early pressure, Aberdeen could have been behind when Temitope Ayoluwa Obadeyi broke clear of the Dons back line, only to be penalised for a push on the last man as he bore down on goal.
Obadeyi's foray aside, Aberdeen remained in control and finally took the lead just before half time when Rooney bundled home from close range after Donervon Daniels had turned a free kick from the right back across goal.
However, Kilmarnock hit back straight after the restart as Craig Slater curled home from 20 yards.
Jonathan Hayes then had a long-range strike of his own turned behind by Samson as Aberdeen surged forward, and they reclaimed their lead when Niall McGinn's near post cross found Smith who calmly headed home.
Christopher Johnston lashed an effort over the top as Kilmarnock searched for an equaliser, and they had a golden chance to level the game when Scott Brown brought Lee Miller down in the box in injury time.
However, Brown redeemed himself with a diving save from Slater's penalty to wrap up all three points for Aberdeen.
Joe Sharratt
