Kilmarnock ended an 11-year Rugby Park Aberdeen hoodoo and bagged a vital three points into the bargain.
December 2011 was the last time the Ayrshire side defeated the Dons on their own patch, and it was fair to say Killie fans enjoyed it with loud cheers at full-time.
Derek McInnes made three changes from the 2-2 draw with Motherwell, suspended Alan Power, Jordan Jones and Bobby Wales made way for Liam Polworth, Rory McKenzie and Scott Robinson.
Killie boss McInnes said: “I thought from the word go there was a lot to like about us. We were aggressive about our work. The two 3-5-2 systems matched up and we spoke about the individual battles and fighting our corner.
“We were better in the first half. We passed up two or three good opportunities before the first goal which was a concern but we got the first goal then the second. We wanted to be physical and ask them questions.
“Up against a good team at 2-0, we spoke at half-time and said no backslapping as there are too many good players in the other team. We wanted to pick them off and get the third goal but we managed to get the win."
Robinson bagged the opener in his first start since January, and Joe Wright made things comfortable at half-time.
Former Killie youth Matty Kennedy smashed home a stunning stoppage time free-kick to give the Pittodrie men hope, but it was too little too late on a poor night for Jim Goodwin's men.
Robinson went close in the eighth minute as he attempted to fire home after a Christian Doidge blocked shot, but his snapshot went wide of the post.
Rory McKenzie went close in the 25th minute when he fired a powerful shot at Kelle Roos, but the Dutch goalkeeper for well to stop the effort.
It was the hosts who fired themselves in front when Robinson tapped home from close range in his first start since January.
Ten minutes later it was 2-0 as Joe Wright fired home to send the Ayrshire side into the break with a comfortable two-goal cushion.
Dan Armstrong had an incredible chance to kill the game off in the 53rd minute when he latched on to a low cross, but his left footed effort went agonisingly wide.
Armstrong had another chance in the 80th minute when he cut inside from the right, but his effort blazed over the crossbar.
Ex-Killie starlet Matty Kennedy fired a 25 yard clean sheet into the net in the 91st minute to offer a late scare.
But they managed to hold on and secure a precious three points to round off 2022.
McInnes heaped praise on Robinson, likening him to a new signing.
He said: “It does feel as if the window opened early getting him back. He led the line brilliantly. He’s had to have lots of cuddles, keeping his spirits up. He brings life to the dressing room and is such a popular boy.
“It’s nearly a calendar year he has been out but he leads the line brilliantly and he gives me the option to play two up top. He teamed brilliantly with Doidge and I was so pleased to see him get his goal."
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