One interesting spectator at Rugby Park today is former Kilmarnock midfielder Gary Holt, who has been tipped by some to be the club's new permanent manager.

The 43-year-old was also linked with the post before Lee Clark was appointed.

Holt, who previously managed Falkirk, was most recently first-team coach with Norwich City but left in June saying he wanted to be his own boss again.

With the 20-year anniversary of Kilmarnock's 1997 Scottish Cup win approaching, it might be a popular appointment given Holt earned cult status as part of that team.

Present caretaker Lee McCulloch might have something to say about that though!

Image source, SNS

Willie Miller
Former Scotland defender on BBC Sportsound

"Aberdeen had the best opportunity through Niall McGinn and didn't take it. They didn't create much after that, apart from Ryan Christie's header. But what has impressed me is the attitude, work-rate and determination of Kilmarnock. They are getting up against the likes of McGinn and Jonny Hayes and not allowing them to dictate play. Aberdeen have been swamped in midfield by the pressure Kilmarnock have put on them. Until they get a grip in there and an element of control, I can only see Kilmarnock playing the same way. Lee McCulloch will be very happy with what he has seen. Derek McInnes will be scratching his head."

Aberdeen have been firmly down to earth after their midweek high against Motherwell and a confident start. 

Killie have shown plenty of endevour in Lee McCulloch's first game as caretaker boss and got their reward with Rory McKenzie's deflected goal.

Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes is making his notes on a dog-eared piece of paper as we enter stoppage time.

Willie Miller
Former Scotland defender on BBC Sportsound

"Aberdeen are not getting time to settle. They have to try to dictate the tempo of the game, but it is Kilmarnock that are doing that. They are forcing the visitors to play long, speculative balls forward, which doesn't suit the Dons. They haven't dominated in the way many of us thought they would." 

We have a moment's respite from the blistering pace as Kilmarnock captain Stevie Smith is left injured by Ryan Jack's strong challenge. The Dons' Kenny McLean elected to do the sporting thing by kicking the ball out so the former Rangers man could receive attention.

Ash Taylor does a reasonable impression of Franz Beckenbauer with a weaving 60-yard run from deep inside the Dons half, but the central defender returns to type at the vital moment and fails to find a team-mate with his pass into the opposition penalty box.

Ryan Christie goes closer on this occasion, stooping to meet Niall McGinn's deep cross at the back post and unmarked but sending his strong header wide of Kilmarnock's far post.

Ryan Christie obviously fancies his chances after that fine strike against Motherwell in midweek, but the on-loan Celtic midfielder fires wastefully over the Killie crossbar when team-mates were in a better position.

Aberdeen have had the clearest sight of goal so far, but Niall McGinn was unable to beat Kilmarnock goalkeeper Freddie Woodman from close range.

Image source, SNS

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland at Rugby Park

Willie Miller
Former Scotland defender on BBC Sportsound

"Kilmarnock should take quite a bit of credit. They are working hard and not giving Aberdeen too much time on the ball; they have not been dominated. I think Lee McCulloch can be quite happy with the start they have made."

Stevie Smith is close to setting up Kris Boyd in front of the Aberdeen goal, but the midfielder's low pass is too far in front of the striker, whose ageing legs can't beat goalkeeper Joe Lewis to the ball.

Kilmarnock are starting to edge their way into the game after a blistering start from the visitors, who were starting to dominate possession and looking full of confidence as a result of that 7-2 hammering of Motherwell in midweek.

Conor Sammon and Rory McKenzie were being pushed back into midfield, leaving Kris Boyd isolated up front.

Willie Miller
Former Scotland defender on BBC Sportsound

"That was a big, big chance for Aberdeen. It was wonderful skill from Jonny Hayes initially and it fell perfectly for Niall McGinn. It was a great save, but McGinn should be burying that."

Aberdeen have an excellent chance to take the lead when Jonny Hayes cuts into the penalty box and his shot is deflected into the path of Niall McGinn at the back post.

But goalkeeper Freddie Woodman does well to block the Northern Ireland forward's toe poke from pointblank range.

The Dons continue to threaten and Ryan Christie is found by Ryan Jack's cross but heads over from deep inside the penalty box.