[LAF]

Craig Bryson scored his first two goals for Kilmarnock to secure their first league win in 15 matches as they dominated Aberdeen at Rugby Park.
Former Clyde star Bryson scored with a close-range volley after 14 minutes.

Bryson turned provider minutes before half-time, crossing for Frazer Wright to head in from six yards.

And Bryson sealed the points with a close-range third 15 minutes from time, before Darren Mackie slipped in a late consolation for the Dons.


Interview: Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies
Interview: Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood

Aberdeen were first to threaten when, within minutes of kick-off Lee Miller flicked on for strike partner Mackie to force a fine save from Combe.

However, it was one of few first-half opportunities for Aberdeen as the home side took control of proceedings.

The Dons defence was struggling to adjust to their 3-5-2 shape, and confusion among the back line gifted Danny Invincibile an opening.

The Australian's control was poor and he shot wide, but after 14 minutes the home side were rewarded for their industry.

Jamie Hamill did well to rescue a stray Mehdi Taouil pass, and release Allan Johnston on the right.

His cross into the box was met at the far post by Bryson, who volleyed the ball past Dons keeper Derek Soutar.

With Aberdeen unable to find any fluency, manager Jimmy Calderwood shuffled his pack as early as the 27th minute.

Striker Sone Aluko replaced defender Josh Walker as Calderwood reverted to a 4-4-2 formation.

Aluko added more urgency to the Dons' play, and his cross after 30 minutes was met by Miller only for the striker's header to be blocked by teammate Mackie.

However, Jim Jefferies' men were dominating the play and they doubled their lead four minutes from half-time.

Bryson swung in a corner and Souter parried Hamill's fierce shot but he ball arrived again at the feet of Bryson, who picked out Wright, and the defender nodded into the net.

Calderwood made more changes at the break with his team emerging in a 4-2-4 shape.

But Kilmarnock were first to go close when Hamill intercepted a stray Dons pass and carried the ball 30 yards before unleashing a powerful drive that went just wide.

Lee Mair should have put Aberdeen back into the match, but he contrived to head Barry Nicholson's cross over from close range.

Soutar saved at the feet Johnston but with 15 minutes remaining a number of the travelling support decided to begin the long journey home.

Invincibile's cross from the right was converted by Bryson from an almost identical position to the midfielder's opener.

With the game already beyond them, Aberdeen forced in an untidy consolation.

As the clock ran down Kilmarnock keeper Combe fumbled the ball under pressure from Mackie, who slipped the ball into the net.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kilmarnock: Combe, Corrigan, Lilley, Frazer Wright, Hay, Bryson, Fowler, Hamill, Invincibile, Taouil (Dalglish 84), Johnston (Fernandez 84).
Subs Not Used: Harpur, Gibson, Di Giacomo, O'Leary, Clancy.

Booked: Johnston, Invincibile.

Goals: Bryson 14, Frazer Wright 41, Bryson 75.

Aberdeen: Soutar, Maybury (Maguire 46), Duff, Mair, Diamond, Foster, Nicholson, Severin, Walker (Aluko 28), Mackie, Miller (De Visscher 71).
Subs Not Used: Langfield, Lovell, Considine, Bus.

Goals: Combe 86 og.

Att: 6,113

Ref: D Somers.

BBC SPORT | Football | Scottish Premier | Kilmarnock 3-1 Aberdeen