Kilmarnock 2 - 0 Aberdeen

At the other end, with Russell Anderson in commanding form, David Preece was also enjoying a quiet afternoon. Until, that was, the 38th minute, when youngster Garry Hay, showing tremendous skill, carved open the Dons defence and sent an unstoppable shot past Preece.

In an effort to change things, manager Ebbe Skovdahl took off Robbie Winters ten minutes after the restart, replacing him with Ricky Gillies.

In 62 minutes, Hay made it two when he spotted Preece off his line and from thirty yards out lofted the ball over the stranded keeper.

Eoin Jess was replaced by Dennis Wyness before referee Bobby Orr denied the visitors a definite penalty when Colin Meldrum upended Jim Hamilton.

That decision summed up the afternoon for the Dons and Killie held out comfortably to take the points.