Aberdeen missed out on the chance to move second in the Scottish Premiership when they were held to a goalless draw by Kilmarnock at Pittodrie.
The Dons had the better chances of the game but Killie held on for a point after playing the last eight minutes with 10-men following Kris Boyd’s red card.
Both managers kept faith with their starting line-ups following midweek wins. The Dons were unchanged from the team which won 3-0 at Hamilton while Kilmarnock boss Steve Clarke named the same team which beat Rangers 2-1 at Rugby Park.
Just two points separated the teams going into this game and it was clear to see why from kick-off as chances were at a premium in a competitive but disappointing first half.
The Dons had the best of it with Stevie May seeing his powerful 25 yard strike tipped away by Daniel Bachmann in the Kilmarnock goal while Greg Stewart also had a shot saved but they were the only chances of note in a disjointed and uneventful 45 minutes.
Stewart fired just past the post as Aberdeen continued to push for a breakthrough in the second half but chances remained few and far between.
Aberdeen’s hopes of finding a breakthrough were boosted eight minutes from time when Killie substitute Kris Boyd was sent-off for a foul on Shinnie but the visitors withstood late pressure to claim a point.