Ross McCrorie Scores First Dons Goal In Win Against Kilmarnock

Aberdeen returned following the international break where they left off, with another win – making it five on the trot with a win against Kilmarnock at Pittodrie.

It was the first game with fans in the ground for over six months, with a 300 strong Red Army witnessing Ross McCrorie’s first goal for Aberdeen in the first half.

Derek McInnes went with the same starting line-up that defeated Hibs 1-0 at Easter Road.

It was the Dons that created the opening chance in the ninth minute, Andy Considine racing in at the far post to pick up a headed shot from Tommie Hoban, but it went wide from close range.

Aberdeen were causing all sorts of problems for Kilmarnock – in the 16th minute, Marley Watkins picked out Scott Wright who crossed the shot to Ross McCrorie, his volley from 15 yards hit the back of the net for him to score his first goal for the Dons.

Ross McCrorie was taken out by Kirk Broadfoot on the half-hour mark – initially there was concern he was injured but he was able to continue.

Greg Kiltie tested Joe Lewis in the 33rd minute, after pushing behind a powerful low hit drive.

Scott Wright cleared a Ross Millen cross clear under pressure in the 39th minute – it was a close one.

Jonny Hayes did well in the 63rd minute, cutting in from the left and firing a powerful shot that Danny Rogers tipped over the bar.

Aberdeen should have been 2-0 up in the 71st minute, when Marley Watkins played Scott Wright clean through on goal – Scott raced into the penalty area but his shot went beyond Rogers and the far post.  It was a clear run on goal and a missed opportunity.

Scott McKenna produced a wonderful block two minutes later, blocking McKenzie’s goal bound effort and pushed the shot wide.

Into the final two minutes of the match and Jonny Hayes hit a powerful shot from inside the box but Danny Rogers blocked his shot.

The Dons remain fourth in the Scottish Premiership with two games in hand on 12 points as we look forward to a trip to Norway for our UEFA Europa League second round qualifier on Thursday night.

Derek McInnes said following the match:  “I’m very pleased. Obviously it keeps the winning run going and I’m pleased with a lot of aspects, particularly the speed in the team.

“The goal was an example of that – we countered from deep and it was a great finish from Ross. It wasn’t an easy chance, but he made it look easier than what it was.

“When you select a team like we have, there’s a trade-off in terms of defending, and I think we gave Kilmarnock too much encouragement at times.

“The exciting part for me is that I know there’s better in us. We work hard to get a better 90-minute performance, but we’ve only conceded two goals in the six games we’ve played.”