Bulgaria international midfielder Ilian Kiriakov was sent off in the last
minute of a disappointing goalless draw.
Kiriakov was dismissed for foul and abusive language in a match where neither
side showed much initiative and there was little in the way of creative play.
The Dons did not display the same buzz and urgency which has epitomised their
play since Alex Miller took over as manager, although they have not lost at
Pittodrie or conceded a home goal since December 9.
Aberdeen boss Alex Miller made only one change to the side which lost to
Hearts on Wednesday, Joe Miller taking David Rowson's place.
The home side started on the attack and Billy Dodds linked well with Derek
Whyte before Eoin Jess rifled in a low shot which went wide.
At the other end, Kilmarnock's Kevin McGowne turned in a good header which
Dons goalkeeper Jim Leighton held easily.
Aberdeen continued on the attack and John Inglis headed the ball over the
crossbar from a corner after 24 minutes.
Dodds then chased a long through-ball before beating Sam Montgomerie in the
box, but shot wide.
Stephen Glass almost put Aberdeen ahead after 27 minutes when he found some
space in the box but his shot was deflected for a corner off Gus MacPherson.
Neither side deserved to be ahead as a disappointing first half came to a
close but Aberdeen started the second half on the attack and Kilmarnock
goalkeeper Gordon Marshall had to be alert to stop a 25-yard effort from Jess.
Kilmarnock gradually pulled themselves back into the game and a header from
Jim McIntyre was held easily by Jim Leighton in the Aberdeen goal.
McGowne then collected a free kick and shot from the edge of the box, but sent
his effort too high.
Gary Holt played a one-two with Pat Nevin out on the right and when Holt's
pass came in, McIntyre saw his shot blocked before the Dons' defence scrambled
the ball clear.
Teams
Aberdeen: Leighton, Kiriakov, Whyte, O'Neil, Inglis, Smith,
Miller, Jess, Windass, Dodds, Glass.
Subs Not Used: Rowson, O'Neill, Anderson.
Sent Off: Kiriakov (90).
Kilmarnock: Marshall, MacPherson, Baker, Montgomerie, McGowne,
Reilly, Nevin (Vareille 89), Holt, Wright, McIntyre, Henry.
Subs Not Used: Roberts, Mitchell.
Booked: Baker, McGowne, Wright.
Att: 10,243
Ref: K Bisset (Inverness).