Tony Mowbray atoned for his early error at Ewood Park with a stunning last gasp equaliser to take Town to a 2-2 draw with Blackburn.

The Blues lined up without David Johnson and James Scowcroft, both of whom were missed as Jonas Axeldal and Richard Naylor, although not having bad games were perhaps not up to the task in hand on the day.

Town started badly with Blackburn scoring after 20 seconds or so. A weak Mowbray header was returned with interest by Lee Carsley and the ball sailed beyond Richard Wright.

Town struggled for a while but gradually took over. A strong Jamie Clapham effort was headed away when it seemed destined for the goal before the first of the afternoon's numerous penalty incidents. Jonas Axeldal, who showed one or two excellent touches, got away from the defence and was clearly pushed by the defender. The referee, however was unimpressed and waved away Town protests.

The second half was much of the same with Town stepping up a gear and putting pressure on the Lancastrians. Despite their dominance Town were not creating too many clear-cut chances, the best going to Mick Stockwell who brought an excellent save from Alan Kelly.

Blackburn went two up after the second of the afternoon's penalty incidents. Mark Venus had the ball at the corner of the Town penalty area and got himself in a bit of a muddle with the ball and Ashley Ward before making things safe. However, the former Norwich striker chose to theatrically throw himself inside the box. The Town fans looked to the linesman who failed to give a foul, despite this the referee much further away from the incident decided that contact had been made and pointed to the spot. Naylor was booked for protesting and Venus for the foul. How many times must we have bad decisions given against us this season? Video evidence clearly showed that Ward dived but nothing will be done about it as much as we protest.

After the set back of going two behind Town continued to press and justice was finally done when Matt Holland hit sharply past Kelly with fifteen minutes left.

After this it was all Town with crosses and shots flying in from all directions. The shots were mainly woeful, but a Jamie Clapham run into the box saw him tripped and a penalty for Town. Mark Venus stepped up but fired the kick several yards over the bar. It looked like it might have been a devastating blow for the Blues with several players crashing to the ground after this latest set-back, but the spirit they have showed several times already this season was again in evidence and in the dying minutes an equaliser came.

Blackburn striker Nathan Blake had got himself sent off for a dreadful late challenge on Matt Holland before Tony Mowbray volleyed a poor clearence high and beyond Kelly. It was a brilliant end to an exciting game that had practically everything.

George Burley sees this as points lost rather than one gained and it is difficult to disagree. Town were the better side for most of the game but were hampered by giving away such an early goal and the award of an enormously dodgy penalty. If we play as well on Friday against Tranmere we should take an easy three points from the Birkenhead side.

R Wright 7 Good save from Blake

Wilnis 7 Got down flank well

McGreal 6 Still not looking as good as earlier in the season

Mowbray 7 Caused first goal, but scored equaliser

Venus 6 Slip for penalty, despite its dodginess and poor penalty (who takes them now?)

Clapham 7 Good running with the ball

Holland 7 Two bad misses in 2nd half, but stunning goal and usual all action performance

Wright 7 Good passing

Stockwell 7 Ran socks off once more

Axeldal 7 Showed enough to give the impression that he could be a very good signing

Naylor 6 Quiet afternoon for Bam-Bam

Matt Holland has withdrawn from the Ireland squad facing Turkey twice in the nex ten days. He has a calf injury which was more than likely caused by Nathan Blake's dreadful challenge late on Saturday which earnt him a red card. The good news for Town is that Holland may now be fit and able to play for Town on Friday. Irish manager Mick McCarthy says if Holland isn't going to be fit to train on Tuesday and Wednesday he should withdraw from the squad. McCarthy added that he has no objection to Holland playing for Town on Friday if he is fit which shows him to be a fine man (and perhaps also that he saw the challenge and knows Matt isn't telling him porkies about the injury).

Along with Holland David Johnson and James Scowcroft both missed training this morning, both are thought to be on target for a return on Friday. Jim Magilton will also return from suspension.

Town also have goalkeeper worries with Richard Wright away with the England U21 squad and Mike Salmon missing from the bench Saturday with a back injury. James Pullen, the recent signing from Heybridge Swifts, was on the bench at the weekend, but if neither of the senior 'keepers is available for Friday George Burley says he will look to bring in a loan signing.

Mark Venus will miss the derby on November 21st after picking up his fifth booking of the season at Blackburn. Wayne Brown seems likely to deputise.

Town's reserve game at Carrow Road has been hastily moved to tonight at 7.30pm. Town are likely to include James Pullen, Marco Holster, Richard Logan, Adam Tanner, Wayne Brown and quite a number of others with first team experience. Titus Bramble could make the side after a couple of impressive performances in the Academy side.

Photo: Action Images

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