Kilmarnock 4 - 2 Aberdeen

Esson could only parry Boyd's fierce free kick and as the Dons defence stood still Ford reacted and headed the ball into the net. Worse was to follow a minute later when Boyd back heeled a through ball into the path of Invincible and the Killie man swept the ball into the net. The Dons were rocked by this come back and almost conceded a third in the 20th minute when Naismith fired an effort inches over the bar. Aberdeen should have levelled in the 23rd minute when Mackie delivered a great cross only for Crawford to miss the target from nine yards with only Smith to beat. Play was held up for a short spell after a clash of heads between Mackie and Wright.

Aberdeen won a series of free kicks around the half hour mark but they were well defended by Kilmarnock as both sides continued to attack. A Smith effort was deflected wide for a corner in the 36th minute and Byrne attempted an overhead kick from a Diamond knock down, but the effort went inches over the top. Boyd's theatrics in the 40th minute failed to impress referee Toner before Smith pulled an effort wide two minutes later. Smith tried again in the 44th minute but this effort went well over the top.

Muirhead replaced Byrne in the 65th minute as Calderwood looked for a way out of the dire situation. The substitute tested the keeper two minutes later as his curling shot was turned round the post. Naismith was then lucky to stay on the park when he took a dive in the box after collecting a yellow card earlier in the match. Aberdeen instantly went to the other end of the park and pulled a goal back. There was debate as to whether Muirhead got a touch on the ball as he appeared to turn a Crawford cross into the net, but it was agreed that Crawford had scored. Aberdeen then increased the pressure as they put Killie on the back foot.

Nicholson was then bundled to the ground by Hay in the 78th minute but Smith saved Mackie's spot kick and the subsequent corner was cleared. Severin collected a yellow card in the 81st minute then two minutes later Smith fumbled a Nicholson shot but no Aberdeen strikers were there to cash in as time continued to run out for the Dons. Severin then went close again in the 87th minute when his fierce shot slipped past the post. Seconds later Stewart replaced Mackie. In the 90th minute Esson was out quick to deny Nish.

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