The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Aberdeen soaring in top flight as Fraser and Mcginn turn it on in Ayrshire to leave
for those scoreless draws with Ross County, Hearts and St Mirren.
Nevertheless, there is plenty of evidence to suggest Craig Brown can lead the Dons into the top six this term after a disappointing ninth last term.
Width and pace were key elements in Aberdeen's success. Much has been said and written about protecting fast winger Fraser but he was again the victim of a series of dangerously mistimed tackles.
O'Leary was issued a yellow card by referee Steven McLean in the first period for taking out the 18-yearold crudely and Liam Kelly was lucky to escape with just a booking after a horrific lunge on Fraser from behind.
Brown said Fraser has had worse treatment but something must be done quickly before one of the brightest Scottish talents in years suffers a serious injury. The Aberdonian teenager is a player that should bring fans flocking back to Pittodrie with his surging runs and refreshing directness. He is contracted to the Pittdorie club until the end of next season but surely a new deal must be agreed soon to prevent the vultures of the Premier League stealing him for a pittance.
His value rose again with another sizzling solo display but it was summer signing McGinn who pressed, probedandpassed the Dons to a third SPL victory of the season. It was a thoroughly deserved win for the Dons, despite their going behind so early.
Just three minutes in, Gary Harkins cut inside Ryan Jack and unleashed a low shot which Jamie Langfield parried well, but it rebounded off O'Leary and somehow looped into the net.
Langfield was blameless as Killie got off the mark but Fraser revved into gear, settingupVernon for a shot straight at Killie goalkeeper Kyle Letheren and then curling in a free kick which the keeper scrambled clear.
The Dons often made poor choices in the final third in the first period but Rae skimmed the side netting from the ever lively McGinn as the half faded.
Just 19 seconds after the break Rae pounced on a Michael Nelson error and confidently strode through to fire past Letheren.
Langfield held on to a Harkins shot not long after but Aberdeen grabbed control of the game, with McGinn taking centre stage.
The Dons’ second goal was effective and simple.
“Fraser crossed to the back post and McGinn rose superbly to head home”
Langfield's long throw picked out Fraser on the left. He scampered forward and sent in a precise chipped cross to the back post and McGinn rose superbly to head home.
Fraser andMcGinn were almost unstoppable and the latter almost snatched a third Dons goal from an Isaac Osbourne through ball, only to be denied by Letheren. Killie looked a spent force in attack and the Dons finally claimed a third in added time.
Inamove involvingRyan Jack, McGinn and Vernon worked a one-two, with the Manchester-born attacker curling a low strike past Letheren from 12 yards.