By Blair McNally
Aberdeen scored two second half goals as the Dons continued their push up the Premiership table against Kilmarnock, winning 2-0.
Ryan Hedges netted the first before a Sam Cosgrove free-kick wrapped up three points for Derek McInnes’ side, who moved into third and one point behind Celtic in second place.
The first chance of the match came for the away side as Connor McLennan latched onto a long ball, volleying just wide of the post after a misjudged header by Stuart Findlay, much to the delight of the scrambling Danny Rogers.
In the 28th minute Kilmarnock were dealt a blow as right-back Aaron McGowan was subbed off after pulling up with what is hoped not to be a serious injury. With winger Greg Kiltie his replacement, Rory McKenzie slotted into defence.
Just before half time it was nearly 1-0 to Kilmarnock. Chris Burke found himself on the touchline before zinging the ball into the back post, however, Matty Kennedy was equal to it, knocking it out of danger from the path of McKenzie.
In the 52nd minute the breakthrough was made as Aberdeen took the lead. Hedges’ driving run to the edge of the box allowed space for a pop at goal, his effort deflected off the stretching leg of Findlay, steering it into the bottom left corner.
Ten minutes later Curtis Main was the saviour for the Dons. An inch-perfect Eamonn Brophy cross looped over Joe Lewis into the back post, however, the retrieving Main was there to head off the line.
In the 88th minute the Kilmarnock bench were off their seats as a speculative Brophy strike whizzed narrowly past Joe Lewis’ top right corner. Kilmarnock continued to search for the equaliser but were kept out by a resolute Dons defence.
The final action of the match came after an excellent through ball found Cosgrove through on goal again, this time with all the time in the world. A recovering Brandon Haunstrup had no option but to take down Cosgrove just outside the box, resulting in a red card for the substitute who replaced Findlay late into the game due to a shoulder injury for the latter.
The proceeding free-kick was finished exquisitely under the Kilmarnock wall, giving Cosgrove his deserved goal meaning Aberdeen moved into third after Hibs dropped point to Dundee United on Saturday. Here are three things we learned.
Kilmarnock threat
With bags of potential at bay, Kilmarnock’s attack were lacking real threat through the middle with most of the play coming on the wings. Throughout the game, Aberdeen looked more than comfortable with the pattern of play.
Alex Dyer’s side will look to cause more problems for teams in the future as the gaps between everyone from 5th to 12 get narrower with every passing match.
Hedges a serious threat
The 25 year-old Welsh international has been majorly impressive since his arrival from Barnsley. With 7 goals in 17 appearances this season, the winger has been a driving force to the success of Derek McInnes’ side.
He looks to be a key player for the Dons this year if they are to finish strongly, after causing problems against every opponent he has played against, scoring goals and creating chances.
The neutral
If either team are going to live up to the expectations set for them from performances in previous seasons, they will be eager to improve after a stuffy affair in Ayrshire.
A scrappy match failed to produce the quality we have seen from both sides in matches this season, resulting in a game of physical long ball instead of working the ball up the park.
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