Kilmarnock stand-in gaffer Lee McCulloch was left shell-shocked after Aberdeen produced a devastating late salvo to snatch all three points at Rugby Park.

McCulloch, who was taking charge of his first game in temporary charge following the sudden departure of Lee Clark to Bury, had been on course to savour a fine victory over the high-flying Dons thanks to Ryan McKenzie’s cracking first half strike.

But Aberdeen substitutes Jayden Stockley and Peter Pawlett struck twice in the space of two minutes as Killie crumbled.

Killie sub Miles Addison suffered a nightmare introduction as he dithered to allow Stockely to pounce on 83 minutes before he got in the way of a cross moments later only to divert the ball into the path of Pawlett who crashed home the winner.

McCulloch said: “I thought we done alright in the first half. We frustrated Aberdeen to maybe one half chance. We applied ourselves well and scored a great goal. We came in at half time and I said ‘we’re not used to winning against Aberdeen, or Rangers or Celtic at half time so let’s stay outside our comfort zone and keep playing the way we are playing.’ For the most part we did that. And then we just had a crazy few minutes. It was a horrendous goal to lose and it gives them impetus to get another. I’m gutted at those goals but so proud of the players. They applied themselves to the game plan. They bought into it and the way they worked showed that.”

McCulloch refused to be drawn into any more speculation regarding his future at the former Rangers ace added: “I have had a one and a half minute conversation with the Board so I will speak to them again this week.”

Aberdeen cemented their position in second place with a battling display which was an altogether different performance from the rampaging 7-2 win they produced over Motherwell in midweek.

This was the Pittodrie team’s 13th victory in a row over Kilmarnock and a ninth win in their last 10 matches.

Derek McInnes, the Aberdeen manager, said: “It is no coincidence that we have had a lot of late winners between the 80th and 90th minute in my years at the club.

We have had it this season as well and it is part of the identity of this team. I think that indicates the fact that we have players who can change the game coming off the bench and the mindset of the substitutes when they come on.

“I also think it shows the determination of the players to keep going. The performance was in total contrast to the match against Motherwell on Wednesday night but it is still the same three points.

“It was when we brought Jayden Stockley and Peter Pawlett on that really changed the game. I don’t think we could have gone any more attacking. It was just to try and force the issue and thankfully we’ve managed to find a way to win and we’ll take it. It’s the same three points as the other night but there’s an honesty about us that we put the game at risk today with our performance but we’ve got the win in the end."