The first surprise of the afternoon came before a ball was kicked, and we discovered that club captain Kevin Kyle only had a seat on the bench, so it was David Fernandez who led the team out, and Manuel Pascali partnered Simon Ford at the heart of the Killie defence as Frazer Wright was injured.
The first half started well enough, with both sides knocking the ball about on the ground and playing fast, one touch football, but it didn't last, and the game became more dirge-like as the half progressed. In fact over 20 minutes had gone before Bryson had the first real shot worthy of the name, and he screwed it wide when he had more space than he realised. One minute later, Derek Young returned the complement at the other end, with exactly the same result.
Aberdeen had the better of the half, with Bell having to save a Mackie shot, Hay heading an Ifil header off the line, and Mackie again knocking the ball over from a cross that was just behind him, but there really was little to warm the cockles on a bitterly cold day.
That changed, at least as Aberdeen were concerned within 3 minutes of the restart. A simple cross from the right was met by Darren Young, and his left foot volley arced into Bell's left hand postage stamp, giving the keeper no chance.
That led to a long, indeed continuous spell of Aberdeen pressure, which included Grassi flicking a corner just wide, Invincibile having to head off the line, and Pascali having to scramble to clear a dangerous McDonald cross.
As the game drew towards its close, Killie threw more players forward, and from one cross, Kyle knocked the ball back to Burchell, but his scorcher was very well saved by Langfield. Right at the death, Darren Young hit another tremendous shot, only to see it come back off the crossbar.
After the game, Jimmy Calderwood was understandably disappointed. He had received a warm welcome from the Dons' supporters, but that didn't make up for losing the game. Although the goal had come due to some sloppy defending, he felt that the players had worked hard, and there were signs that there was plenty to build on. Hamilton next.
Aberdeen: Langfield, Mulgrew, Foster, Ifil, Grassi, Marshall (Pawlett), Fyvie (Duff), Kerr, McDonald, Mackie (Paton), Young
Kilmarnock: Bell, Hay, Ford, Bryson, Pascali, Russell (Burchill), Taouil, Invincibile, Skelton, Fernandez (Kyle), Hamill (Old)
Referee: Iain Brines
For an interview with Jimmy Calderwood, listen to the podcast on www.kicktalk.co.uk
