August 25 2024 Match report: Aberdeen (A)
Kilmarnock suffered a disappointing defeat in Aberdeen just three days after a tricky match in Copenhagen.
It’s now three defeats from as many league games for the Ayrshire side who are hoping to put it behind them ahead of Thursday’s hugely important UEFA Conference league play-off clash against the Danes.
Derek McInnes made two changes from Thursday’s side with Danny Armstrong and Robbie Deas replacing the injured Kyle Vassell [calf] and suspended Joe Wright.
Danny Armstrong almost eluded Dimitar Mitov. his cross-come-shot almost dipped into the net – but it went narrowly over after being deflected out for a corner.
Jamie McGrath created a great chance as he fizzed a cross into the box, Ester Sokler couldn’t quite get a boot on it at the back post much to Killie’s relief.
In the same attacking phase the ball fell to Pape Habib Gueye inside the area, but he didn’t get his footing right and failed to get a shot away.
David Watson had a decent chance in the 22nd minute as he fired a shot at goal, but Mitov saved well.
Gueye then opened the scoring as he had a free header in the box just a minute later and fired past the helpless Kieran O’Hara.
Liam Donnelly had a pop at goal just before the break but his effort fell into the hands of Mitov.
Brad Lyons received his marching orders in the 54th minute as his yellow card was upgraded to a red following a VAR check after a tackle on Sokler.
Sokler should have doubled the hosts’ lead just before the hour mark but he couldn’t keep his shot from six yards down as he blazed over the crossbar.
Gueye then did double the Dons’ lead as he headed home from a corner after 64 minutes.
McGrath went close with a low effort in the 84th minute as he turned to shoot from jut inside the area, but it went narrowly wide.
Score: Aberdeen 2-0 Kilmarnock
Team: O’Hara, Burroughs, Mayo, Findlay (Bainbridge 90), Deas (Ndaba 75), Armstrong (McKenzie 56), Lyons (sent off 54), Donnelly, Watson (Anderson 30), Kennedy (Polworth 75), Watkins (Cameron 75)
