Ukraine back in hunt after Montenegro scalp

Ukraine moved to within three points of Group H leaders Montenegro as they won an action-packed affair in Podgorica, scoring four times against a side that ended with nine men.

The hosts had the opportunity to go five points clear of second-placed England at the top of the FIFA World Cup qualifying section with a win, and they appeared favourites to do so when Ukraine had Roman Zozulya dismissed on the stroke of half-time. However, Denys Garmash put the visitors ahead and Vladimir Volkov's sending-off levelled up the numbers. Yevhen Konoplyanka, Artem Fedetskiy and Roman Bezus all hit futher goals, with Savo Pavićević also seeing red on a miserable night for Branko Brnović's team.

In thrilling first half both sides had numerous chances to break the deadlock; Montenegro should have done so but Mirko Vučinić failed to finish past Andriy Pyatov when clean through. At the other end Mladen Božović brilliantly denied a dangerous Konoplyanka free-kick and then turned away Garmash's rebound, before Andriy Yarmolenko fired off target.

Things looked good for Montenegro when Ukraine went down to ten, yet seven minutes after the interval Garmash was on hand to turn in after Božović parried Yarmolenko's attempt.

Volkov then received his marching orders, and with Montenegro searching for an equaliser, Ukraine punished them on the counterattack. On 77 minutes Yarmolenko strode clear and found an unmarked Konoplyanka who hit the net from ten metres. The wheels fell off the Montenegrin bandwagon as Pavićević earned a second yellow, before Fedetskiy finished from a tight angle and substitute Bezus rounded things off in added time with a great solo effort.

Ukraine, now a point behind England, welcome San Marino next on 6 September, while Montengro travel to Poland the same day hoping to hold onto top spot.