Aberdeen 2-0 Kilmarnock: Adam Rooney penalty seals Dons win

Aberdeen made it two wins out of two in the Scottish Premiership with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Kilmarnock at Pittodrie.

A Graeme Shinnie strike and an Adam Rooney penalty helped the Dons put the disappointment of their Europa League exit to Kairat Almaty behind them as they continued their winning domestic start.

A Kenny McLean header sealed an opening day win for Aberdeen away to Dundee United last week and they followed that up by dominating against Kilmarnock and creating a number of chances.

Gary Locke’s side remain bottom of the table early in the new campaign after their second defeat of the season.

Killie conceded four at home in their opening match against Dundee and they were under the cosh in the early stages again at Pittodrie.

Jonny Hayes had the first opportunity of the match just two minutes in but his bending free-kick was just a little too high.

Kilmarnock goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald was then forced into two good saves, first from a Niall McGinn effort from just outside the box and then to keep out Paul Quinn’s header.

Shinnie was causing Kilmarnock problems with his deliveries into the box and he picked out Shay Logan and Rooney in quick succession but they could not control their headers on goal.

McLean has been in outstanding goalscoring form for Aberdeen this season, bagging three in Europa League qualifying and the winner against Dundee United, but he was again denied by MacDonald.

The Killie stopper was having an impressive game as Aberdeen continued to create chances and he was well-placed to deny Logan’s header, but Aberdeen were rewarded for their dominance after 37 minutes.

Hayes worked his way into the Killie box before picking out Shinnie who found the top corner with the outside of his boot.

Kilmarnock had struggled to get on the ball and create chances in the first half although Scott Robinson went close just after the break but his header was just wide.

Aberdeen got a second after 56 minutes when Lee Ashcroft fouled Willo Flood in the box, allowing Rooney to step up and send MacDonald the wrong way.

In the closing stages the hosts continued to press and create chances in what had turned into a rather one-sided match at Pittodrie.

Logan was denied twice by MacDonald in the last 20 minutes but that ultimately did not matter as Aberdeen cruised to a comfortable three points.