Sone Aluko's second-half strike put an end to an embarrassingly barren run. It was tough on Kilmarnock but, overall, Aberdeen's fortunes seem to be improving and Jimmy Calderwood cut a more contented figure afterwards.

"We're on a wee run at the moment," said the Aberdeen manager. "At least we can enjoy our weekend. We got deeper and deeper as the game wore on. The result was better than the performance."

For Kilmarnock, Jim Jefferies was as upbeat as a boss can be in defeat. "I'm upset at the result but the performance was excellent," he said. "I can take satisfaction from it. We definitely deserved something from the game and I've no complaints about the players today."

Their dismal north-east form appeared to be weighing on the minds of the home players at the start but Kilmarnock failed to capitalise on their early dominance.

The Ayrshire side began in determined fashion, David Lilley nodding the ball into the Aberdeen box and Manuel Pascali – afforded a surprising amount of room – shooting weakly at Jamie Langfield. For Aberdeen, Aluko steadied himself and had a pop from 30 yards, the ball flying wide of the target.

Aluko was the solitary bright spark amid the Aberdeen ranks and he tried again from range. This time, Alan Combe swatted aside the threat superbly. He needed to be that good. Aluko was at it again after the corner, his rising shot threatening the crossbar.

Fowler was booked for a foul on Darren Mackie when the Aberdeen striker was looking to sprint clear of the Kilmarnock defence. Mehdi Taouil was impressing with his neat control and thoughtful passing. A great curling effort from David Fernandez was tipped over by Langfield with the Dons still in the doldrums.

A downward header from Lee Miller bounced over the bar, giving the home fans some encouragement. In a thrusting move through the middle, the ball got from Richard Foster to Mackie but he couldn't find a finish. Fowler bent an excellent attempt past the Aberdeen post and Aluko showed a deft touch in the Kilmarnock goalmouth only for it to trundle wide.

Aberdeen grabbed the lead thanks to Aluko's willingness to have a go.

On the left edge of the penalty area, he turned Jamie Hamill and clipped a deflected shot beyond Combe and into the far corner of the net. "It was a wonderful goal," commented Calderwood. "Sone's had three or four easier chances than the one he scored."

Fernandez tried to reply by lashing in a low drive but Langfield saved well.

As the home fans grew more nervous, there was a dramatic moment when Kilmarnock substitute Donovan Simmonds, on the edge of the box, crashed a fierce shot off the crossbar. It was a real let-off for Aberdeen who were living very dangerously. "We got the break we haven't been getting, when they hit the bar," reflected Calderwood.

After that it was grim stuff for the Dons, but they clung on and finally had the monkey off their back.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Sone Aluko deserves the accolade for his wonderful goal, but aside from that he was Aberdeen's best player by far, threatening plenty in the first half and eventually getting the reward for his adventurous efforts.

QUICK FACT

Inverness, Hamilton, Dundee Utd and Hibs have all won on league duty at Pittodrie this season. Aberdeen's only home point was against Rangers until yesterday when they managed to quadruple their takings.

TALKING POINT

Aberdeen looked like a team that hadn't won at home this season and started the game looking afraid something bad might happen. They saw out the match in the same manner.