Kilmarnock 2-0 Aberdeen: Three things we learned
By Laurie Finlayson
Kilmarnock have lost once in their last 13 (Image: Getty Images)
Kilmarnock ran out 2-0 winners against Aberdeen. Let’s look at the main talking points from Rugby Park:
Killie tighten their grip on the top-six
Ndaba secured his first Kilmarnock (Image: Getty Images)
The home side came into this match having only lost one game in their last 13 outings (that defeat coming against Rangers on January 2). They continued in that strong vein of form in this match.
Killie asserted their dominance early on, with captain Kyle Vassell hitting the post after just two minutes. The hosts had plenty of opportunities, but as the first half wore on, it looked as if it would end goalless. However, right on the stroke of half-time, Corrie Ndaba headed home from a corner to give his team the lead.
The home side continued to cause Aberdeen problems after the restart and doubled their lead after 58 minutes when Matty Kennedy coolly finished off a move set up by Kyle Vassell, who outmuscled Dons defender Richard Jensen before squaring the ball to Kennedy for him to tap home.
With this result, Kilmarnock remain in fourth place, two points clear of St Mirren in fifth (who were also victorious this weekend). They look to be in the driving seat for a top-six finish, or perhaps European qualifiers next season.
Neil Warnock is still looking for first Premiership win
Warnock has yet to win a league game (Image: Getty Images)
Aberdeen interim manager Neil Warnock is still searching for his first league victory. With this result, he’s lost two and drawn two.
Warnock did taste victory in the Dons dugout, defeating Bonnyrigg Rose 2-0 in the Scottish Cup. Still, it would be fair to say that Aberdeen haven’t experienced the so-called ‘new manager bounce’ following the short-term appointment of the experienced Englishman.
When he was appointed, he aimed to secure a top-six finish for Aberdeen and ideally win the Scottish Cup in what would be the first trophy of his 40-year-long managerial career. However, ending the season in the top half looks unlikely with the Dons in eighth place with only seven games remaining before the split.
This season’s surprise package continues to deliver
Kilmarnock continue their European charge (Image: Getty Images)
Kilmarnock are seen by many as the Scottish Premiership’s surprise package, or at least the most improved team.
Derek McInnes’ side struggled to safety last season, confirming their top-flight place on the final day with a victory over Ross County. However, this campaign has been a different story at Rugby Park.
Killie have been in formidable form this season with an excellent home record while sorting out last year's troublesome form on their travels. McInnes may well be the man to lead Killie back to Europe.