Kilmarnock 1 - 0 Aberdeen

The Young Dons made the long journey to Ayrshire looking to bounce back from last week's loss to Motherwell as they took on a Kilmarnock side currently at the bottom of the Development League. Paul Sheerin's side showed a number of changes from the match at Glebe Park as new boy Sam Cosgrove appeared in a red shirt for the first time while Scott Wright and Danny Harvie also featured.

The opening exchanges were very even with both sides probing for openings but neither keeper saw any serious action in the first ten minutes. Killie conceded a needless corner after 12 minutes but the Dons couldn't take advantage. Alex Samizadeh burrowed his way into the Aberdeen six-yard box and was denied at point blank range by David Craddock - a solid save from the Irishman who stood tall to deny the home striker. Home keeper Jasko Keranovic was called into action on 17 minutes but the giant Australian stopper, on loan from West Brom, was able to punch clear after a dangerous Toby Wells free kick.
Sam Cosgrove was showing some nice touches up front for the Dons but he was being well marshalled by a disciplined home back division. Danny Harvie tried his luck with a free kick from 30 yards but it didn't dip quickly enough to trouble Keranovic. The opening quarter had been absorbing without any real moments of excitement as both teams battled to create anything clear-cut in front of goal.
Cameron almost broke clear for Killie but great defending from Sam Roscoe ensured he couldn't get a shot in. At the other end Keranovic made a fine save from Seb Ross after the Inverurie youngster fashioned a chance with a neat turn in the box. On 37 minutes Ethan Ross replaced a hobbling Danny Harvie, the full back having taken a knock earlier. Wells moved to left back with Ethan taking his place in the midfield engine room. Brad Spencer missed a great chance in the 40th minute, the son of former Motherwell and Rangers striker John, heading wide after a corner - probably the home side's best opportunity of the half.
The half time whistle brought a hard-fought opening 45 to a close - a very even match with few chances.

Half time Kilmarnock 0 Aberdeen 0

Aberdeen had the first shot at goal of the second half but Wells' free kick was comfortably saved. Kilmarnock then took the lead after 50 minutes when Cameron turned the ball home from six yards after a break down the left. A fine passing move ended with Wells delivering a superb cross which Waters did well to clear from almost under his own bar. The Dons were responding the right way to going behind. On the hour mark, another fine passage of play saw Sam Cosgrove play the ball to Ethan Ross who slipped it into the path of older brother Seb but his fierce shot was well blocked by Keranovic.
The Killie keeper again saved well from Cosgrove as the visitors turned the screw. Spencer was booked for dissent on 63 minutes. A fine diving save from Craddock denied Dempsie a second goal as the centre-back's header looked netbound. Paterson replaced Wilson in the home ranks after 67 minutes then Barr took over from on loan Wolves full back Aaron Simpson a minute later. The Dons were piling on the pressure as they pursued an equaliser but the ball wasn't running in their favour. A magnificent crossfield ball from Dean Campbell released Ethan Ross but Keranovic was again up to the task as he saved the shot with his legs. The big goalie was having an inspired afternoon.
Cameron was the game's second booking on 82 minutes, kicking the ball away after an offside decision went against him. A minute later David Dangana replaced Miko Virtanen while McDonald came on for Graham as Andy Millen made his final change. The Dons were doing everything but find the net and the Killie goal was leading a charmed life. Ethan Ross was booked for a tug on Cameron as the striker tried to launch a counter-attack, the youngster taking one for the team.
Cosgrove tested Keranovic with a powerful drive from the left but again the keeper saved then Samizadeh was booked for diving just before time ran out.
A tough defeat for the Young Dons to take as they played some fine football and deserved at least one, if not all three points.