Aberdeen put their European disappointment behind them as they overcame Kilmarnock 2-0 to make it two wins from two in the Ladbrokes Premiership. Graeme Shinnie's first goal for his home-town team set them on their way, and Adam Rooney added a second from the penalty spot to seal the points for the home side. The victory leaves Aberdeen as one of only three teams boasting a 100 per cent record after two rounds, with Celtic and Hearts the others.
The Dons made three changes from their midweek draw with Kazakh side Kairat Almaty which saw them knocked out of the Europa League, with Peter Pawlett missing out after picking up an ankle injury, and Andy Considine dropping to the bench along with David Goodwillie. Paul Quinn, Willo Flood and Rooney were the trio coming in as manager Derek McInnes looked to freshen his side up. Kilmarnock boss Gary Locke also made three changes following his side's 4-0 reverse at the hands of Dundee last weekend. Mark O'Hara and Lee Ashcroft stepped in for the benched Stuart Findlay and Josh Magennis, while Chris Johnston was replaced by Rory McKenzie.
Both sides were tentative in the early exchanges, but Aberdeen's Niall McGinn forced Jamie MacDonald into the first save of the match as his angled 20-yard shot was pushed wide by the goalkeeper. From the resultant corner, Jonny Hayes' delivery was headed off the post by Quinn, with MacDonald struggling to get across.
Midway through the half Kenny McLean, who has already netted four goals this season, came close to adding to his tally but MacDonald was able to collect his 22-yard effort at the second attempt. The former Hearts goalkeeper was certainly kept busy, and he had to look lively again after 31 minutes, diving to his right to beat away Shay Logan's header from a McGinn free-kick.
But MacDonald was helpless as Shinnie gave the Dons the lead six minutes later. Hayes' strong run saw him beat Jamie Hamill before Mark Connolly's challenge saw the ball break towards summer signing Shinnie who, with the outside of his foot, angled a sweet strike across the goalkeeper and into the far top corner.
They were two goals to the good 10 minutes after the interval. Lee Ashcroft tripped Flood in the area to leave referee Steven McLean no choice but to award a penalty, and Rooney coolly sent MacDonald the wrong way from the spot.
Killie immediately brought on former Don Magennis, and Greg Kiltie soon entered the fray as well, while Aberdeen freshened things up with the introduction of Considine and Cammy Smith. Smith was involved in the next move, slipping in Logan who was again denied by MacDonald.
Kilmarnock had been shot-shy for much of the game, but finally created an opening when Kiltie held off the attentions of Considine to cross for Kris Boyd, but the striker put his header wide of the target. And the visitors began to enjoy a period of pressure for the first time in the match, with the home side starting to look a little leggy following their European exertions.
But the game could have been put out of reach with 10 minutes remaining. Smith and Considine combined down the left before the latter found Logan at the edge of the area. The former Manchester City man needed no further invitation to shoot, but MacDonald was again equal to his effort.
Source: PA
Source: PA