Northern Ireland Under-21s went down to a 2-1 defeat by Ukraine in their European Championship qualifier at Ballymena Showgrounds.

The visitors took the lead on nine minutes when Nazar Voloshyn latched on to a cross from the right from Oleh Orcheretko and found the net with a low deflected drive from just inside the area.

The Group F leaders extended their advantage through Maksym Braharu, who rounded goalkeeper Pierce Charles and rifled the ball home with a left-foot finish from close range after playing a neat one-two with Yehor Yarmoliuk.

Northern Ireland pulled a goal back with nine minutes remaining, Charlie Allen drilling his spot-kick low into the corner of the net to the goalkeeper’s right after Ukraine captain Arseniy Batahov had been sent off for his part in the foul which led to the awarding of the penalty.

Referee Oliver Reitala produced the red card after Batahov had hauled down Allen inside the area.

The victory means Ukraine make it eight wins from eight in their qualifying games to remain firmly in the driving seat for automatic qualification as group winners for next year’s finals.

They lead England by five points with two rounds of fixtures remaining.

Northern Ireland sit fifth in the table, with two wins, a draw and five defeats in their campaign so far.