Aberdeen have defeated Kilmarnock 1-0 at Pittodrie Stadium to move into second place in the Scottish Premiership.

Peter Pawlett scored the only goal of the game in the 69th minute following a goalless first half to take the Dons within four points of leaders Celtic.

Hamilton Academical continued their charge back towards the upper reaches of the table, going third with a 1-0 win at Ross County thanks to Martin Canning's early goal.

At the other end of the table, Ian Baraclough claimed his first win as Motherwell manager as they defeated bottom club St Mirren 1-0 courtesy of a John Sutton strike.

St Johnstone consolidated their position in sixth with a 1-0 win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle, with the only goal of the game coming from the penalty spot, converted by Brian Graham.

Finally, Partick Thistle were denied a slender victory over Dundee when Conrad Balatoni put through his own goal in the last minute to cancel out James Craigen's opener.

League leaders Celtic are in action on the Sunday when they pay a visit to Dundee United.

Results in full: Aberdeen 1-0 Kilmarnock, Partick Thistle 1-1 Dundee, Ross County 0-1 Hamilton, St Johnstone 1-0 Inverness, St Mirren 0-1 Motherwell