Report: England CP 0-1 Ukraine

A late Ukraine goal saw England beaten 1-0 at the IFCPF European Championship.

The Para Lions applied themselves well throughout, with Giles Moore saving a penalty in the first half before they had the better of the second.

Vitalii Romanchuk netted in the 55th minute to secure a win for their opponents, though, leaving them needing to beat Spain on Tuesday to keep their chances of winning the tournament alive.

Ukraine started on the front foot, Giles Moore getting down low to deny Ivan Donenko after four minutes.

A minute later, Matthew Crossen was denied after an enterprising run, his shot from inside the box being blocked.

At the other end, Donenko fired high and wide after 10 minutes as both teams searched for a way to create clear-cut opportunities.

Donenko continued to be the danger man and went very close shortly afterwards, turning away from the England defence but seeing his shot hit the inside of the post and bounce away to safety.

Moments later, Artem Krasyinykov forced a good save from Moore with a powerful near-post effort.

Bohdan Kulynych was next to go close, a chipped effort well blocked by Liam Irons.

On 18 minutes, Ukraine won a penalty as James Blackwell brought Donenko down inside the box.

Moore produced a fine save to deny the forward, though, and keep the scores level.

A few moments later Moore was it again, denying Donenko down to his left at the near post as the first half ended level.

The second half started cagily, with substitute Harry Baker heading the first chance wide on 35 minutes.

Baker had an even better chance a couple of minutes later, running clear but being denied by the goalkeeper.

Crossen then threatened with a couple of long-distance efforts, including a free-kick into the side netting, as England settled into the second half.

Irons then produced a brilliant run almost the length of the field before being denied a superb goal by a good defensive block.

But just as England were close to securing a draw, Ukraine found a late goal.

Six minutes remained when Romanchuk curled in with his left foot in a cruel blow to the Para Lions.

England: 1 Giles Moore, 2 Liam Irons, 3 Mason Dunbar, 6 Matthew Crossen, 7 James Blackwell, 8 Sam Dewhirst, 14 Matt Robinson

Subs: 5 Harry Baker for Blackwell 31', 4 Cailen Beckford for Crossen 58', 12 Jayden Kenyon for Robinson 58'

Unused subs: 13 Reegan McMillan, 9 David Porcher, 10 Aaron Lucas, 11 Corey Komorowski

Head coach: Andy Smith