Wales unconvincing as Ukraine end 100% record with draw

An unconvincing Wales side managed to salvage a point against Ukraine in Llanelli, as they came away with a 1-1 draw.

The visitors took the lead through thanks to some sloppy defensive Welsh play, as Veronika Andrukhiv silenced the Welsh faithful. Despite creating chances throughout the first half, Wales couldn’t find a leveller in the first period.

Cymru also struggled at the start of the second half, but did eventually find themselves level, as Kayleigh Barton slotted home a penalty after a handball in the area. Much of the second half was frustrating, as Wales couldn’t find a way through Ukraine, who pleased their supporters with a great point on the road.

Wales still sit on top of the group, but only a point separates them and Croatia.

Wales head coach Rhian Wilkinson elected to make four changes from the side that were victorious away in Kosovo last time out. Charlie Estcourt, Josie Green, Rachel Rowe, and Kayleigh Barton came out the lineup, with Ffion Morgan, Rhiannon Roberts, Angharad James and Mary McAteer coming in their place; the latter making her first Welsh start.

This team received a lot of plaudits in their first two games for their style of play and their willingness to try new things, but that growing bubble of support burst within the opening three minutes.

A slack pass from Rhiannon Roberts into the middle of the park found Veronika Andrukhiv. With Olivia Clark out of position too, the Ukrainian winger was allowed to sweep into an empty net from outside the box. Parc y Scarlets stunned.

Wales were behind, but not deterred. Instantly, Jess Fishlock scampered into space inside the box, but a Ukraine defender got back well to block her shot. Ceri Holland minutes later advanaced into the area and rounded the keeper. Her cut back looked promising, but no one in red was able to get on the end of it.

The best chance Wales had to get back level came midway through the half. McAteer attacked a Lily Woodham cross well, but Darya Keliushyk did well to claw the ball away. Her save only went as far as Fishlock who was standing outside the box. The veteran lined up a strike from distance, but once again, Keliushyk made a marvellous save to keep the visitors in front.

Much of the first half, however, was made up of loose passes and poor touches. A team who had performed so well at the start of this campaign at times looked like a deer caught in headlights.

Fishlock once again had an opportunity to draw Wilkinson’s side level before the break, after capitalising on some pinball in the Ukrainian box, but she could only blaze her volley high and wide.

While Ukraine didn’t create many opportunities, they always looked like a threat. Eager to press high and run at the defence, they always looked capable of scoring a second before the first half ended. Volodymyr Pyatenko’s side were the first team to score against Wales in five games, and as both sides headed back into the dressing room, Ukraine held a deserved lead.

Kayleigh Barton and Rachel Rowe came off the bench to try and change Wales’ fortunes, but neither of them were able to find a gap through a resolute Ukrainian backline.

Lily Woodham and Rachel Rowe: Wales’ new Ying and Yang

As the clock ticked past the hour mark, a lifeline for Wales. A scramble in the box allowed Welsh players to hit many shots towards goal. Holland’s effort was blocked, but it was blocked by the arm of Olha Basanska. Penalty awarded.

Despite it looking for all the world that Fishlock would take the spot kick, it was in fact Barton who was given the final nod. Stepping up confidently, the Charlton striker slotted the ball away with ease to draw Wales level.

You would have expected the equaliser to energise Wales, but in reality, it was Ukraine who could have retaken the lead minutes after conceding. Goal scorer Andrukhiv found herself in acres of space down the left as she bared down on goal, but as she tried to find the far corner, Clark held onto the ball well.

After that chance for the visitors, much of the game petered out into half chances and drab passes. Barton and Fishlock went the closest to winning it for Wales, but at the same time, neither strike looked destined to nestle in the back of the net.

Into stoppage time and the crowd were playing their part. All they needed was for Wales to play their role. Rowe almost clinched the win in style with an effort from outside the box, but the ball fizzed just wide.

A night of questions for Wales, who stay top of group B4, but they certainly weren’t at their best.

Wales’ next fixture takes place on Tuesday, as they travel to the Polish city of Poznan to take on Ukraine once more. Kick-off is at 7pm.

Player of the Match – Ceri Holland

Certainly not many candidates for this, but I think Ceri Holland was the standout. In the first half she was always the outlet, and in the second, she chased after every loose ball and tried to make something happen.

Wales

Olivia Clark, Ffion Morgan (Rachel Rowe 46’), Rhiannon Roberts (Carrie Jones 75’), Hayley Ladd, Gemma Evans, Lily Woodham (Lois Joel 75’), Angharad James ©, Sophie Ingle, Ceri Holland, Mary McAteer (Kayleigh Barton 46’), Jess Fishlock

Unused Subs: Laura O’Sullivan, Safia Middleton-Patel, Mayzee Davies, Olivia Franics, Charlie Estcourt, Ellen Jones, Ella Powell, Alice Griffiths

Goals: Kayleigh Barton (64’ p)

Ukraine

Darya Keliushyk, Anna Petryk, Daryna Apanaschenko © (Kateryna Korsun 64’), Lyubov Shmatko, Olga Basanska, Veronika Andrukhiv, Tamila Khimich, Dayana Semkiv, Olha Ovdiychuk (Inna Hlushchenko 46’), Roksolana Kravhcuk (Nicole Kozlova 87’), Yana Kalinina (Natiya Pantsulaya 74’)

Unused Subs: Kateryna Boklach, Kateryna Samson, Iryna Podolska, Yana Kotyk, Maryna Shaynyuk

Goals: Veronika Andrukhiv (3’)

(Featured Image: Perry Dobbins)