Ukraine hold off Scotland

Ukraine success
Having won 4-0 in Slovakia in their opening fixture, Ukraine were keen to continue their good start and after a tight first 20 minutes Darina Apanaschenko and Svitlana Frisco went close for the home team. At the other end goalkeeper Iryna Zvarich was forced to save at the feet of Kim Little but just before the break Natalia Zinchenko put Ukraine ahead with a stunning 35-metre effort into the top corner. On 67 minutes Tetyana Chorno doubled the lead after a good spell of Ukrainian pressure. Julie Fleeting headed her 95th goal for Scotland soon after, having had an effort disallowed before the break, but the visitors could not equalise.

Coach pleased
Ukraine coach Anatoliy Kutsev said: "I am very glad my team managed to approach this match in the right way. It was a very difficult game but we were able to get the better of a very strong Scotland side both physically and mentally." His team now lead Group 5 by three points from Slovakia, whom they face in their next game on 20 June. Scotland, on one point from two games, return to group action in Slovakia on 27 October.