A quick-fire double from Aberdeen, including a stunning opener from 17-year-old forward Chris Maguire, propelled the Dons to a thoroughly deserved victory over Kilmarnock at Pittodrie.

Maguire wasted no time in making his mark in his first competitive start for Aberdeen, beating Killie keeper Graeme Smith with a curling 25-yard-drive in only the sixth minute.

Three minutes later Barry Nicholson added a well-worked second following Darren Mackie's smart pass, while substitute Steve Lovell added a third late on, before Steven Naismith's consolation for Kilmarnock.

In a sensational start Maguire immediately repaid Dons' manager Jimmy Calderwood's faith in him, when the teenager fired a stunning 25-yard drive past the helpless Graeme Smith to hand Aberdeen an early lead.

The ball arrived at Maguire's feet following a brave headed lay-off by Nicholson and the forward showed great composure in working the ball onto his favoured right foot before providing a fantastic finish.

Despite making a quick breakthrough, Aberdeen showed no signs of playing to protect their lead and after continuing their rampant assault on the Kilmarnock rearguard, the Dons quickly doubled their advantage.

This time Darren Mackie was the architect in delivering a well-measured pass into the feet of Nicholson and the 28-year-old proceeded to slip a cool finish past visiting keeper Smith to score his third goal of the season.

Nicholson soon came agonisingly close to scoring his second of the afternoon, courtesy of a powerful strike from the right-hand corner of Kilmarnock's penalty area, which flashed just past the far post.

Aberdeen then maintained their onslaught and after Smith saved a dipping half-volley from Lee Miller, Mackie fired wide from 18 yards, before Russell Anderson just failed to find the net from an acute angle.

The chances continued to come for the Dons, with Maguire curling a free-kick wide, prior to Mackie and Nicholson drawing good saves from Smith.

Just before the break, Mackie delivered a great, defence-splitting pass into the path of the on-rushing Maguire and the lively midfielder drove a low shot just wide of the far post as the Dons threatened to put the match out of sight by half-time.

Aberdeen may not have been as quick out of the blocks following the restart as they were during the first period, but the Dons kept playing with an energy and enthusiasm which must have delighted the Pittodrie support.

The home side's positive attitude was typified by Maguire who, after finding space on the edge of a congested Kilmarnock penalty area, lashed a shot towards goal which had to be beaten away by Smith.

Maguire then turned provider in sending a corner into the visitor's box that found Miller at the back post and the former Dundee United striker sent an arcing header off the top of Kilmarnock's crossbar.

A sweeping attack from the Dons shortly afterwards soon provided Maguire with another opportunity to cross and this time the swooping Nicholson saw a downward header well saved by Smith.

Despite the inspirational Maguire's withdrawal for Lovell, the replacement forward soon found the net from close range when Miller's effort was pushed into his path by Smith.

Kilmarnock then finally found a goal courtesy of a controlled finish from Naismith, but the day belonged to the Dons, who moved back into second place in the Bank of Scotland Premier League.

Teams

Aberdeen Langfield, Hart, Anderson (Diamond 75), Considine,Foster, Maguire (Lovell 76), Severin, Nicholson,Clark (Dempsey 88), Miller, Mackie.

Subs Not Used: Soutar, Touzani, Daniel Smith, Donald.

Booked: Anderson.

Goals: Maguire 6, Nicholson 9, Lovell 87.

Kilmarnock Smith, Grant Murray, Ford, Greer,Lilley (Stephen Murray 76), Fowler, Invincibile,Johnston (Barrowman 67), Naismith, Nish (Locke 46), Wales.

Subs Not Used: Combe, Dodds, Adams, Campbell.

Booked: Greer, Lilley, Wales.

Goals: Naismith 89.

Att: 11,887

Ref: W Collum (Scotland).