Aberdeen extend unbeaten run with comeback victory over Kilmarnock

Aberdeen’s improved form in the William Hill Premiership continued with a 2-1 comeback victory over struggling Kilmarnock, whose winless run stretched to 10 games.

The Dons toiled in the first period and were fortunate to trail by just one goal at the interval after Tyreece John-Jules opener the scoring for the visitors.

But the hosts upped the tempo in the second half and Kenan Bilalovic levelled before Jesper Karlsson tucked home a late penalty to extend their unbeaten league run to seven matches.

Aberdeen, following their narrow Europa League Conference defeat to Strasbourg on Thursday, were sluggish from the start and Kilmarnock made them pay in the 16th minute.

Carelessness from Topi Keskinen saw the Finland international robbed by James Brown, who slipped ball through for John-Jules. The big striker kept his cool as he ran through on goal to clip the ball past the advancing Dimitar Mitov.

Liam Polworth then curled wide from just outside the box as Killie threatened a quickfire second.

The hosts could not get going and when referee Ross Hardie pointed to the spot in the 32nd minute – following an innocuous handball from Jack Milne, Kilmarnock thought they had the chance to double their lead.

However, after a VAR check, the official reversed his decision after being sent to the monitor.

It was a let-off for the Dons, who continued to live dangerously up until the interval as Bruce Anderson broke clear only for Mitov to make a crucial save.

Graeme Shinnie was introduced for Jimmy Thelin’s men at half-time, in place of Alexander Jensen and the veteran almost made an immediate impact when his close-range shot and his follow-up effort were both cleared off the line.

Adil Aouchiche then rattled the woodwork in the 54th minute, his 12-yard volley had goalkeeper Tobi Oluwayemi beaten all ends up but the ball came back off the crossbar.

Aberdeen were much improved and Oluwayemi kept the visitors ahead in the 61st minute when he reacted superbly to deny Dante Polvara after initially spilling Karlsson’s free-kick.

Deservedly, however, they drew level in the 78th minute through substitute Bilalovic, who netted his first goal for the club.

Kevin Nisbet beat the offside trap and – from the left side of the penalty area – he squared for the young Swede to stroke home from six yards.

The Dons turned the game around in the 85th minute after being awarded what appeared to be a soft spot-kick.

Brad Lyons was adjudged to have handled the ball following Armstrong’s corner and Karlsson stepped up to slot the resulting penalty into the bottom corner.