Five wins in a row and a first goal from Ross McCrorie ensured Aberdeen continued where they left off before the international break.
Kilmarnock were game in what a physical, but seldom overzealous 90 minutes, although the Dons should have won by more than McCrorie’s strike at Pittodrie.
McCrorie’s goal capped another energetic all-action display from the midfielder who seemed to be involved in every 50-50 challenge on the pitch, winning the majority too.
If manager Derek McInnes had any complaint it was the acknowledgement he should have withdrawn his combative midfielder earlier.
He said: “I should have taken him off earlier as he was suffering from a knee knock but I’m confident he’ll be fine for Norway. It was a great finish and with his left foot at that, to finish off what was a great move from the team.
“I gave him and Lewis Ferguson the licence to go forward when the chance allowed and Ross made the ground up to get there. He still had a lot to do but it was a difficult chance that he made look so easy.”
Although there were just 300 of them inside Pittodrie the difference those lucky enough to gain admission made to proceedings was immeasurable.
McInnes said: “We were aware the fans were there right from the warm-up and it was important to give them the win after not seeing the team in the flesh for so long. I thought the fans really appreciated the players’ effort and just being back in the ground after so long.
“They really applauded the team’s every effort whether going forward or when we had to defend and that 300 can come every week if that’s the backing we are going to get.
“It’s great they could go away happy with the three points and I can promise them that there’s more to come from us.”
Those inside Pittodrie were treated to an early goal too which certainly helped matters and what a goal it was.
It started with Joe Lewis goal kick which found Matty Kennedy on the half-way line. However, with Killie pressing Kennedy was pushed back into his own half and forced to return the ball to his captain.
However, Lewis simply switched to the left flank and from the moment Marley Watkins cushioned the ball into the path of Scott Wright the visitors were in trouble.
So it proved as Wright picked out the onrushing McCrorie who beat Danny Rogers with a fine first-time effort from just inside the box to put the Dons ahead.
The sweeping move was a reflection of the confidence in Derek McInnes’ team at the moment but Killie, who thrashed Dundee United 4-0 in their previous outing, were in no mood to accept their fate and put the home side under pressure as they looked for an equaliser.
Killie threatened at several set pieces but their best chance fell to Greg Kiltie, who saw his shot turned round the post by Lewis.
The second half was equally competitive but it was the Dons who carried more of a threat in front of goal. Rogers tipped a Jonny Hayes effort over the crossbar as Aberdeen pushed for a second goal.
Wright really should have provided it 19 minutes from time after being put through by Watkins but with Rogers to beat he dragged his shot wide.
Killie were emboldened by the fact they were still in the game and with the nerves beginning to show among the home defence, the visitors pushed forward. Kiltie saw his cross deflected just past the post while Rory McKenzie’s shot was turned over the bar by the excellent Scott McKenna.
But that was as close as Killie game and it was the Dons who should have scored again and it took a fine save from Rogers to deny Hayes again in the closing stages.
McInnes said: “The exciting part is that I know that there is better in us even thought that’s five-wins-in-a-row now.
“We have only lost two goals in all six games this season which is encouraging but we would have liked to score a couple more but we got the job done.”