The intrigue does not subside at the end of the first half of the season in the first league, as the struggle for "golden" points continues. These points will come into play in the battle for promotion to a higher division. However, just like with points that help avoid relegation from the top division.

That is why in the latest round in Ternopil, it was important for the local "Niva" team to overcome their neighbors from "Epicon" and secure a place in the leading quartet with valuable points.

The home team came closer to victory. Even on the 22nd minute, guest player Maxim Demchuk's shot was saved by the crossbar, while in the second half goalkeeper of "Epicon" Roman Zhmurka three times saved his team from trouble. He, incidentally, once played for "Niva". In the end, a draw result of 0:0 did not please either team and pleased football players from "Prykarpattia", who would have overtaken "Niva" in the league table if they had won today against "Karpaty".

However, Lvivians thought otherwise. In the middle of the first half, guest player Igor Dut' opened the score, and just before halftime Denis Galenkov secured an advantage for Andriy Tlumak's team. 0:2.

The guests were not shaken even by the fact that on the 64th minute Galenkov was sent off, and they remained in a numerical disadvantage. Lvivians stood like a wall near their own posts and deservedly celebrated victory.

Now, to continue the fight for promotion to an elite division, "Prykarpattia" must definitely win next round against "Epicon" in group A and hope that "Niva" loses in a parallel match in Chernivtsi.

And in group B, the central match took place today in Kyiv, where "Obolon'" hosted "Kremenchuk". The hosts went ahead early after Vitaliy Gryshy's shot and thanks to well-organized defensive actions maintained a winning score of 1:0. "Brewers" are now close to the leader - "LNZ".

Results of matches and tables in the first league