The opening round in the top division did not impress with its goal-scoring: only 10 goals were scored across seven matches. There were no shortage of surprises either. Currently, clubs that openly express their desire to move up a class are disappointing.

Group "B" favorite «Metalist 1925», playing in Boryspil against «Mariupol», fielded almost an optimal lineup — the only exception being injured veteran Harmash. However, this did not help the Kharkiv team to score even a single goal against their opponent who surprisingly conceded defeat just days ago in a cup match in Hryshchyne Plavni.

In the middle of the first half, newcomer Saluk from Slobozhanska Oblast tried to block Demchenko's cross and sliced it into his own goal — 0:1. It cannot be said that Kharkiv did not try to save themselves; an episode worth mentioning is when Yurchenko missed a clear shot at the empty net from close range, but so far the guests' actions leave a poor impression.

Defending a lead in Iвано-Франківськ cost ambitious «Bukovyna» (group "A") dearly. The hosts added some fresh legs and tied the score after Barchuk's header — 1:1. Andreychuk, by the way, a native of Transcarpathian football, opened the scoring.

Those who deserve to be noted are representatives of Podillya, who, as if by agreement, recorded victories with minimal margins. They now lead the group "A" table.

The hardest three points were earned by «Epitsentr», which played against «Niva» in Ternopil. The hosts wasted several goal-scoring opportunities, conceded immediately after halftime, and then failed to correct their aim.

And only FC «YUKSA» managed to stand up for the guests in group "B", defeating «Kudryvka» in Bucha thanks to a goal from Paraguayan foreigner Castro Gonzalez.

Results and standings