Ukraine took on Northern Ireland in a must-win clash for both sides at Euro 2016 on Thursday with Irish running out 2-0 winners.

The Irish had never beaten their Ukrainian counterparts heading into the match, but a solitary goal by Gareth McAuley ensured that that unwanted record came to an end.

It was the Irish who conjoured up the first shot of the match as Stuart Dallas tried an effort from range which, was comfortably gathered by goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov in the 4th minute.

It was not long before Ukraine began probing, but they failed to create any clear openings early on, despite dominating the possession.

The next chance came for the Irish against the run of play after 27 minutes as Conor Washington failed to direct a cross on target from close range following a deflection.

Ukraine had a couple more speculative efforts over the next few of minutes before Craig Cathcart came close with a header following a corner in the 34th minute.

Northern Ireland ended the half on the front foot as the sides went into the break level at 0-0.

The second half resumed with Yevhen Seleznyov missing a header for Ukraine almost straight away, before Gareth McAuley broke the deadlock with a header of his own after 49 minutes.

Both sides tried a couple of hopeful efforts from range before the game was halted due to heavy hail fall. It was soon resumed, however, and Ukraine began to establish themselves once more as Viktor Kovalenko came close with a ranged effort after 70 minutes.

Kovalenko had another chance six minutes later, but dragged his shot wide.

With time running out, both sides were struggling in the final third, but a cracking effort from range by Andriy Yarmolenko forced a save from Michael McGovern in the 89th minute.

Niall McGin then pinched a late second for the Irish as he knocked in a rebound in the 96th minute.

It proved the final chance of the match as Northern Ireland kept their tournament hopes alive.

Photo: Reuters