Super Miller sinks Killie and underlines his Scotland claim
aberdeen striker’s rugby park performance is a world away from cup showing
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Lee Miller feared that his performance against Alloa at the weekend, in front of Scotland assistant Steven Pressley, could have hampered his chances of another international call-up.
The Aberdeen forward should not be too concerned. As soon as George Burley watches the video of last night's 2-1 victory at Kilmarnock, in which Miller plundered two stunning goals, the big forward will surely have his seat booked on the plane for March's World Cup qualifier in Holland. And if the SPL's player of the month for December keeps up this form, it might not just be for a supporting role.
Miller’s goals helped overturn an early deficit at Rugby Park and moved the Dons to fourth in the SPL – just two points behind third-top Dundee United.
Apart from Miller’s sublime interventions, this was hardy vintage stuff from Aberdeen, particularly at the back, and they will near to shore up ahead of the impending visits of Celtic and Rangers.
It took Killie 11 minutes to open the scoring but the goal had been coming after a hugely unconvincing start from the visitors. James Fowler had already thrashed the ball over the bar after a poorly defended corner and Allan Russell had slashed into the sidenetting after skipping past Richard Foster.
The opening goal was the result of another Dons defensive horror show. It arrived via a free kick dubiously awarded against Scott Severin after the merest suggestion of contact on David Fernandez. Gary Hay unleashed a wayward, strike which cannoned off team-mate Manuel Pascali and landed in the path of Russell, who gratefully and emphatically planted the ball into the net.
The Dons were being opened up far too easily, particularly down the flanks, and they were fortunate to survive a mini-siege and a succession of corner kicks.
It also required a last-ditch deflection from Zander Diamond to redirect Craig Bryson's effort over the bar.
While Aberdeen looked in benevolent mood at the back, the same could also be said for the home side. Sone Aluko, up front alongside Miller, was allowed to drift inside early on and was just wide with his left foot shot.
Gary McDonald was also allowed space in the box to plant a header just wide from Charlie Mulgrew's cross.
Mulgrew’s left peg was becoming increasingly menacing and it played a major role in the Dons hauling themselves level. On the half-hour mark Mulgrew swung in a corner and there was Miller to apply a neat scoring touch with a heel.
Bryson should have re-established the Killie lead soon after but he was denied by goalkeeper Jamie Langfield at close range.
After the break Aberdeen looked more assured but it was again Miller who proved to be the difference with another stunning goal in 58 minutes.
This time the big forward stooped, and swooped, to steer home a wonderful header into the far corner of the net following Darren Mackie near-post cross.
Now it was Killie's turn to crumble at the back and Mulgrew released Aluko through on goal.
But Pascali was able to get back to clear off the line to deny the Dons man.
Killie came close late on but the Dons held on for three important points.
KILMARNOCK – Rascle, Fowler, Hay, Wright, Bryson, Russell (Simmonds 76), Invincibile, Gibson, Fernandez, Hamill (Taouil 73), Pascali.
ABERDEEN – Langfield, Foster, Severin (Mair 82), Diamond, Considine, Mulgrew, Kerr, McDonald, Aluko, Miller, Mackie.
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