Nyva Ternopil B came from behind to claim a thrilling 3-2 victory away at FC Vilkhivtsi in the Ukrainian Second League on Sunday, in a match that delivered plenty of attacking football and late drama.

The result gives Nyva Ternopil B a valuable three points on the road and boosts their position in the standings, while FC Vilkhivtsi are left to rue a second-half collapse after taking an early lead. The five-goal contest was one of the most entertaining games of the round in the Ukrainian third tier.

Match overview

The home side started with intensity and took the game to their visitors, scoring early to the delight of their supporters. But Nyva Ternopil B showed character and gradually worked their way back into the match, equalising before the interval and then taking control in the second half. A late Vilkhivtsi goal set up a nervous finish, but the visitors held on to secure all three points.

Key moments

• 12th minute: FC Vilkhivtsi open the scoring with a well-placed shot from the edge of the area.
• 35th minute: Nyva Ternopil B respond with a header from a corner to make it 1-1.
• 58th minute: Nyva Ternopil B take the lead for the first time, finishing off a rapid counter-attack.
• 74th minute: The visitors extend their advantage with a composed penalty.
• 82nd minute: Vilkhivtsi pull one back to set up a tense finale, but Nyva Ternopil B defend deep to hold on.

Tactical story

FC Vilkhivtsi pressed high in the opening exchanges and were rewarded with an early goal. However, as the half wore on, Nyva Ternopil B adjusted their midfield shape and began to find space between the home side's lines. Their equaliser came from a set piece, a sign of their growing dominance, and in the second half they looked dangerous every time they moved forward. Vilkhivtsi pushed men forward late in search of an equaliser, but their higher defensive line left gaps that Nyva Ternopil B nearly exploited further.

Standings impact

The victory is an important one for Nyva Ternopil B as they look to climb the Ukrainian Second League table and challenge for a spot in the promotion picture. For FC Vilkhivtsi, the defeat is a missed opportunity on home turf and highlights their defensive vulnerability against teams that are willing to press and counter with speed.

Both sides will take lessons from this game as they continue their campaigns, with Nyva Ternopil B celebrating a character-filled away win and Vilkhivtsi focusing on tightening up at the back.