Aberdeen took a significant step towards Scottish Premiership safety by digging out a vital victory at home to Kilmarnock, who stay in the relegation play-off place.

Afeez Aremu's deflected strike gave Stephen Robinson's side the lead after just 51 seconds, the third away game in a row in which Kilmarnock have conceded in the opening minute.

Another slack opening proved their undoing despite an otherwise encouraging performance that should have yielded at least a point, but instead keeps them two points from guaranteed safety.

Aaron Tshibola headed crosses on to the bar in either half as Killie cranked up the pressure, and Aberdeen defender Jack Milne rattled his own bar in a desperate bid to clear Greg Kiltie's teasing ball as well.

But Neil McCann's side could not find the breakthrough they needed to avoid slipping to a 10th away defeat this season.

Aberdeen had moments, with Milne forcing goalkeeper Max Stryjek - making his first appearance since heart surgery - into a fine stop in the second half.

But in truth it was all about getting the result that takes them eight clear of trouble with four games left and allows new boss Robinson to build for next season.

Former St Mirren manager Robinson had one job when he was belatedly appointed by Aberdeen in March - to maintain the club's status as top flight ever-presents.

Now, after earning back-to-back wins for the first time since October, he appears to have done that with a bit to spare.

In this win, and against Hibernian last time, there were some hallmarks of what made Robinson successful at St Mirren and Motherwell.

Notably there was a sterner defence of Aberdeen's box as they registered consecutive clean sheets, and at times they showed greater urgency.

The winner was typical of what Robinson is asking for. Aberdeen got the ball forward from kick-off, won a throw-in, and played from there.

Milne found Stuart Armstrong, who laid it nicely into Aremu's path and the midfielder's shot ended up in the net after a deflection.

The drop-off has been systemic this season for Aberdeen, as has their vulnerability from set-pieces and crosses, which almost cost them again as Tshibola found room twice to head off the bar.

But Robinson needs more time and a summer window to fix the major issues, and at least now will be doing it with a Premiership budget, barring a strange end to the season.

Kilmarnock's chronic away form has been a problem for quite a few seasons and continues to dog them no matter the manager or players, it seems.

They have won once on the road this season - in September.

Managers talk about the first goal being so important in the Premiership, so for Kilmarnock to give up one in the first minute in their past three away games is seriously damaging.

They did enough after that to show they are still fighting, and St Mirren's defeat by Livingston means it is all to play for in the quest to avoid the relegation play-off.

But they need to tighten up on the road, especially because they have to visit both the teams below them in the final four games.

Stryjek's return in goal was remarkable given he had heart surgery six months ago, and winger Nicky Clescenco was extremely lively on his first start, setting up the excellent Tshibola for one of his headers off the bar.

There are enough positives, but now it is all about results.

Aberdeen head coach Stephen Robinson: "Delighted with the result. I thought we started really, really well and played brilliantly for 15-20 minutes. Then we looked very nervous after that.

"It's to be expected of course. But one thing that hasn't been said about an Aberdeen side for a while is they're hard to beat, they defended crosses well and defended set-plays well.

"Their character was questioned throughout the season and I thought to a man they stood up today. Can we better on the ball? Of course we can."

Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann: "It's like a repeating movie - giving teams an early goal. It's always going to be difficult.

"I thought we came into the match, and on reflection we were the better side.

"But we can't keep sticking that record on. It's a difficult one to take right now. It's difficult to have a go at them - their application levels were brilliant and we played some great football."

Aberdeen visit bottom side Livingston on Friday night (19:45 BST) while Kilmarnock host Dundee United on Saturday 2 May (15:00).