After a difficult week for the Dons, Jimmy Thelin was delighted to see his players show the fight needed to take three points home from Rugby Park.

“It was really important for us to win a difficult away game. Kilmarnock did a lot of things really well, how they arrived at the box, how they used the set plays in the game. They are strong there. So, for me and for us, it’s super important to talk about the individual responsibility in these 50-50 duels.

“We have struggled a bit there during the season. Today, we showed everybody we can do it and win these difficult games and stand up in the fight and be competitive. It’s really nice to see this side of our team today.

“You see Dylan Lobban in his first game, he went in and played with all his qualities and did it so well. He even hurt his ankle in the first half and then had some cramp, but he kept going, showing this spirit of fighting for the club.

“Dylan deserved the chance. He has been pushing since summer. Maybe he has been close to play in some other games, but he has never complained. He always goes to training, tries again. He has played with the development team and done really, really well. He showed that he wants to play. He showed that he was ready, so he deserves all the credit today.

“Now we must show this again. Football is about consistency. Sometimes, you have the perfect game. Everything works and you have the rhythm of the game. You dominate the game. Sometimes, you play games like this. The rhythm is not really there, so you have to be focused all the time. The concentration today shows that we can do this part. We played against St Mirren some weeks ago, it was also a good away game.

“We have to keep building on our own performance. We have to take it step by step. We have to be humble. The good thing is that the energy and the belief has been there all the time. The players go out today and show that we believe in this. We’re trying. We know we can do it.

“If we keep working like this, I hope we can get out on the other side and get the more rhythm of the game. We have to keep working now, taking points, and keep building on this. Because football is also about taking opportunities. Especially in away games, you don’t always create a lot of chances. To have the calmness that Stuart had in this moment to score the goal, it says a lot about his quality and experience.”

The Red Army backed the side in numbers in Ayrshire and Thelin was quick to praise their contribution to the win.

“It’s a Wednesday night. It’s a long trip, but our fans are here. In a difficult time for us, they come here and support us, so it’s so nice to give something back. We’re going to need them the whole season.”