Aberdeen continued their revival and kept hold of third place in the Scottish Premiership after Oday Dabbagh's injury-time goal edged out Kilmarnock.

The Palestinian international striker, making his home debut, latched on to a Leighton Clarkson pass and converted at the back post to ensure consecutive league wins for Jimmy Thelin's side and three in all competitions.

With both sides taking back-to-back wins into the game, there was a positive mood at Pittodrie, but chances were at a premium in a high tempo first half which burst into life as the interval approached.

Referee Nick Walsh awarded Kilmarnock a penalty after Liam Donnelly went down in the box under pressure from Kristers Tobers, but that decision was overturned after the offical was called over to consult the screens.

Moments later, Aberdeen had the ball in the back of the net, but Jeppe Okkels' curling effort was ruled out for offside after another VAR intervention.

The second half was a similar story – plenty of endeavour, but not a huge amount of quality.

Aberdeen went close just before the hour when Pape Habib Gueye played in Topi Keskinen, whose angled shot was parried away by Kieran O'Hara.

And it was the hosts who looked the most likely to snatch the points.

As full time approached, great build-up play ended with a Kevin Nisbet shot striking a post. But they weren't to be denied, with Dabbagh striking at the death.

After an incredible slump in form appeared to have been arrested, many were asking if Aberdeen had turned a corner.

On the basis of this, the answer would appear to be yes.

When they were seemingly untouchable earlier in the campaign, a hallmark of Thelin's side was an ability to find a way of winning games. They look to have rediscovered that quality once again.

Aberdeen were relatively comfortable against Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup a couple of weeks ago, then hung on to win at Dundee in the league. On Saturday, they got the job done once again.

This season could go down as one of the more bizarre in the club's history given the remarkable rollercoaster nature of their form.

But if they are now back on the right track, there is every chance it could be one which could still yield plenty.

Kilmarnock have found life on their travels tough this term.

This means they have mustered just two wins from their 14 Premiership fixtures on the road. That is the poorest away record in the division.

It must be a real headscratcher for Derek McInnes, who has put together a very strong squad.

Having said all of that, his team only won four away league games last season in finishing fourth in the table.

So if he could find a way of digging out even just a few more away wins, everything in the Kilmarnock garden would be rosy.

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin: "I'm really happy with the way we competed. It was a difficult game, we stayed in it and tried in the last part to push for the victory.

"It was not that fluid but we take the three points and can celebrate. It was important for us to win a league game at home."

Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes: "I thought we were worthy of something. We are disappointed but we can't dwell on that disappointment too much.

"You always felt that 1-0 would be the result - unfortunately we were on the wrong end of it.

"I was hoping both Rangers and Celtic would both win as that would keep up closer to the teams above us but you've got to take care of the your own business first."