Ukraine hold NI to draw at Windsor

Northern Ireland failed to score for their fifth successive match last night after being held to a 0-0 draw by Ukraine at Windsor Park.

In what was a lively game, Sammy McIlroy's side gave a good account of themselves following Saturday's 3-0 defeat by Spain. But, while the manager had promised a more offensive approach to the match, Northern Ireland rarely threatened the Ukraine goal and were left with a point for the draw.

In one of the more positive aspects of the game, winger Keith Gillespie tormented the Ukranian full back Matiukhih with some dazzling solo runs.

At the back, Aaron Hughes and George McCartney, both 22 and 21 respectively, looked rock solid in the heart of defence despite playing as full backs on Saturday.

Michael Hughes and Damien Johnston also looked lively in midfield, always looking to go forward at every opportunity.

However, the ball found its way back to goalkeeper Maik Taylor too often, as he launched it high upfield towards a diminutive strike pairing of David Healy and Paul McVeigh.

Despite this McIlroy was reasonably satisfied with the teams performance despite again watching his side fail to score at home. He said: "I sent my team out to win the game and tried to be positive. I would have loved to have got something out of the game and to do that you need to score.

"But everyone can see we haven't got someone to get the goals at the moment. Michael Hughes perhaps should have done better when he had a chance but he was caught in two minds. That could be due to the fact that he hasn't played much this season."

While last night's performance was a clear improvement over Saturday's, Northern Ireland don't look like scoring goals which is imperative if they are to get anything from their next Euro 2004 qualifying match away to Armenia in March.

(MB)