Ross McCrorie’s first goal for Aberdeen proved the difference as the Dons beat Kilmarnock 1-0 at Pittodrie.
McCrorie finished off an excellent team passing move for the only goal of the game as the Dons recorded their fifth win in a row to remain fourth in the Premiership.
Dons boss Derek McInnes names the same starting 11 which beat Hibernian 1-0 in the club’s last outing before the international break while former Don Danny Rogers started in goal for Kilmarnock on his return to Pittodrie.
The 300 Aberdeen supporters allowed in to watch the game as part of a trial were treated to a bright start from both sides but it was the Dons who got the all-important first goal as Ross McCrorie rounded off a terrific passing move by firing home his first goal for the club when he beat Rogers with a first-time effort from Scott Wright’s cross.
Kilmarnock responded with a Greg Kiltie effort which Dons captain Joe Lewis turned round the post but neither goalkeeper was seriously tested in what was a competitive opening 45 minutes.
Jonny Hayes saw a shot from the edge of the box tipped over the crossbar in the second half as Aberdeen pushed for a second goal and Wright really should have grabbed it after Marley Watkins sent him through on goal only for the attacker to shoot wide.
Killie put the Dons under late pressure in the hope of finding an equaliser but Aberdeen stood firm to maintain their momentum ahead of Thursday’s Europa League trip to Stavanger to face Viking FK.