England's Partially Sighted Team lose to Ukraine in Euro third place play-off
England's Partially Sighted Team were defeated by Ukraine 4-2 in the third/fourth play-off on Saturday.
The game started very similar to the group game with the Ukrainians, both teams keeping the ball well when in possession and trying to move their opponents out of position to gain an attacking advantage.
Ukraine got the early break through from a free kick and although Dix tried valiantly to stop the shot he was blocked to allow the Ukraine to put the goal into an empty net. A clever ploy from Ukraine which comes with years of experience.
England were disappointed the goal was allowed but came back with quick attacking breaks by Daley and Gauden.
Ukraine then had a fast break and Dix stopped the initial shot but it was followed in by the no.5 to double their lead. In the last minute of the half Vernaeve linked up well with Gauden but was thwarted by the Ukraine Keeper.
The Ukrainians started the second half with the purpose to seal the game and the Lions were resilient in defence. As England pressed to pull a goal back a long ball to the Ukraine no.8 left him one-on-one and he took his goal well to make it 3-0.
England were driven on again by captain Daley, who drove a left foot strike to beat the keeper and pull a goal back. And with six minutes to go they put the pressure on Ukraine with shots from Gauden, Lamb, Bricknell and Daley. Gauden did have the ball into the back of the net at one point but is was disallowed for an infringement in the area.
Ukraine then hit England on a break, and with Lamb's recovery run blocked, it allowed them to go two on one, an opportunity they took with glee to establish a 4-1 lead.
Bricknell scored a consolation for Graham Keeley's team in the last minute but unfortunately there was not enough time for them to launch a comeback.
England battled hard and was unlucky to lose but a very young side which had topped the group to make the semi finals finally ran out of steam against a very experienced side.