FC Metalist Kharkiv 0-1 KSC Lokeren

M'Baye Leye scored the only goal of the game as Lokeren condemned Metalist Kharkiv to a sixth consecutive defeat in Europa League Group L.

Neither had anything tangible to play for in this final outing, with Lokeren unable to sneak into the Round of 32 and their Ukrainian hosts rooted to the foot of the table.

Metalist might have salvaged some pride had they registered a first point but Leye's 15th-minute header and a resolute goalkeeping performance from Boubacar Barry ensured that would not happen.

The winner came from the first decent chance of the game, Nill de Pauw delivering a teasing ball into the middle of the box where Senegalese striker Leye provided a deft headed finish.

The game was nearly half-an-hour old when Metalist fashioned an opportunity of their own, Sergiy Bolbat taking aim from 20 yards but leaving Barry a straightforward save.

Lokeren were hardly putting together irresistible moves of their own in pursuit of a second, Leye heading his next chance wide and Evariste Ngolok missing the target with a 25-yard drive.

Barry was again handed a simple stop just before the half-time whistle when Artem Radchenko shot tamely from the edge of the area to leave his side chasing the game.

The Ivorian goalkeeper continued to put in a solid shift at the start of the second half, gathering corners and clinging on to Yuriy Tkachuk's header when Metalist burrowed into the penalty area.

Opposite number Oleksandr Goryainov was forced into some more taxing work on the hour mark as De Pauw fired right-footed across goal, only to see his attempt tipped around the post.

Pavlo Rebenok was best placed to get the home sides back on terms but twice found the resolute Barry between him and an an equaliser.

Substitute Eugene Ansah might then have doubled the lead a minute from time but his header rattled the crossbar .