Kilmarnock and Aberdeen fought out a drab goalless draw in the freezing cold conditions of Rugby Park.

After a poor first half the home side dominated the second period and had Aberdeen pinned into their own half for long periods.

But despite the pressure Kilmarnock could not get the goal they deserved and were forced to settle for a point.

Kilmarnock nearly got off to a great start after only two minutes when Aberdeen goalkeeper Ryan Esson rushed out of his box and mis-kicked a clearance.

The ball fell to Craig Dargo but his quick shot from 25 yards was blocked by defender Phillip McGuire.

The home side had the bulk of possession in the early stages but there was little in the way of goalmouth action.

The home fans had to wait until the 23rd minute for their next piece of excitement after Ally Mitchell picked up a loose ball 25 yard from goal.

The Kilmarnock midfield curled a tremendous shot which beat Esson but clipped the top of the bar and went over.

At the other end, Aberdeen striker Robbie Winters tried his luck from the edge of the box but his low drive was saved easily by Kilmarnock keeper Gordon Marshall.

In the 28th minute, Mitchell again was involved after Alan Mahood played him in but his shot was gathered comfortably by Esson.

Kilmarnock continued to have the better of the game and minutes from the interval Mark Reilly had a shot from 20 yards after Thomas Solberg had mis-kicked straight to his feet. But the midfielder's effort was straight at Esson.

The home side nearly took the lead just 30 seconds into the second half when Mahood rushed in to meet a Mitchell cross from the left.

Mahood's shot was from close range but Esson dived to his left to make a good save.

Both defences continued to successfully employ the offside trap which frustrated both sets of supporters and meant there was little flow to the game.

The pattern of the first half remained the same with Kilmarnock enjoying the bulk of the possession and Aberdeen happy to counter-attack.

The Dons however were rarely in the home team's box but should have taken the lead on the 64th minute following a Winters' corner.

The ball ricocheted around the box before falling kindly to Arild Stavrum four yards from goal but the Dons striker mis-kicked and allowed Marshall to save.

Kilmarnock continued to press for the elusive goal and almost got it in the 78th minute after Christophe Cocard was left unattended in the Dons' box following a corner.

When the ball was returned by substitute Garry Hay, the Frenchman was only six yards out with Esson to beat but shot straight at the keeper.

The home side continued to pound the Aberdeen goal in the closing stages but the Dons' defence held on for a barely deserved point.

Teams:

Kilmarnock: Marshall, MacPherson, McGowne, Dindeleux, Baker, Canero, Mitchell, Mahood (Hay 66), Reilly, Dargo (Wright 69), Cocard.

Subs Not Used: Stewart, Innes, Fowler.

Aberdeen: Esson, Solberg, McAllister (Lilley 69), McGuire, Mackie (Dow 51), Guntveit, Rowson, Darren Young, Derek Young, Winters, Stavrum (Clark 79).

Subs Not Used: Peat, O'Donoghue.

Booked: McAllister, Solberg.

Att: 6,580

Ref: John Underhill (Scotland).