Debutant sub Tayo Edun netted a fortuitous injury time equaliser as the Blues and Blackburn drew 2-2 at Portman Road in Paul Hurst’s first Championship game in charge. Gwion Edwards put Town in front with a debut goal of his own in the fifth minute but Danny Graham and Bradley Dack put Rovers in front at the break and the visitors might well have sealed the win before Edun’s late leveller.

Much-targeted Blues striker Martyn Waghorn was left out of the 18 with last season’s 16-goal top scorer expected to join either Derby or Middlesbrough before Thursday’s deadline.

Bartosz Bialkowski started in goal with Jordan Spence at right-back, Jonas Knudsen at left-back and Janoi Donacien making his Blues debut in the centre with skipper Luke Chambers in Hurst’s preferred 4-2-3-1 system.

Trevoh Chalobah was another debutant alongside Cole Skuse with Flynn Downes ahead of them and Freddie Sears on the left.

Debut-makers three and four, Edwards and Ellis Harrison, were on the right and up front respectively

Andre Dozzell was on the bench alongside Town’s other new summer signings, Jordan Roberts and Tayo Edun. Tristan Nydam was also absent from the 18, presumably due to injury.

Former Blues skipper, coach and caretaker-manager Tony Mowbray, who has former Portman Road favourites Mark Venus and David Lowe on his staff, included ex-Town loan striker Dominic Samuel in his side.

The first goal of the Hurst era took only five minutes to come and the honour of scoring it went to one of the new manager’s summer signings, Edwards.

With neither side having previously threatened, Sears sent over a deep cross from the left and the former Peterborough man ran in at the back of the box and diverted a header across Blackburn keeper David Raya and just inside the post.

The Welshman celebrated gleefully in front of the Co-op Stand and was joined by his new team-mates.

Blackburn levelled with their first significant attack in the 20th minute of an otherwise chance free half.

A freekick from deep on the left was nodded back across goal by Darragh Lenihan and Derrick Williams flicked it towards goal. Bialkowski was only able to paw it into the air and his subsequent punch hit Donacien and fell to Danny Graham 10 yards out, from where the striker smashed into the net.

The game continued to be a very even affair of few chances but with Rovers slightly having the edge and in the 29th minute the visitors went in front via their second chance of the game.

Williams, who spent time training with the Town academy as a youngster before opting to join Aston Villa, was sent away down the left by Graham and crossed to the untracked Bradley Dack, who slammed home from a matter of feet.

Ten minutes before half-time Harrison was booked for a foul on Williams and moments later Town were forced into a change when Spence was forced off with a knock and Luke Woolfenden took over. The academy product joined Chambers at the heart of the defence with Donacien moving to right-back.

On 42 Harrison used his pace and strength to get to a ball down the middle but was unable to find Sears with his pass.

Town ended the half strongly, more confident in possession than they had been earlier in the period with the impressive Chalobah increasingly involved and Edwards getting opportunities to run at the Blackburn defence on the right.

Just before the fourth official announced an additional four minutes, Sears crossed from the left and Skuse nodded down but wide of the target.

Seconds before the whistle, Harrison laid the ball back to Edwards on the right of the box from where the Blues scorer smashed a shot from tight angle not too far over.

Despite the scoreline, the Blues were applauded off at the break having ended the period on top.

Town got off to the perfect start with Edwards’s well-taken goal but the Blackburn equaliser was rather a comedy of errors defensively from a Town perspective.

The Lancastrians were shading the game when they went in front via what from their angle was a well-worked goal, however, the Blues will again believe they should have defended far better.

But as the break approach, Town for the first time began to show the passing football which so caught the eye in last week’s friendly against West Ham.

Blackburn started the second half more positively but without creating a chance. On 53 Elliott Bennett was yellow-carded for a foul on Chalobah.

Town had made little headway after the break and on the hour they swapped Downes for Edun, the afternoon’s fifth debutant, the Fulham man having joined on loan yesterday.

Edun took up the left-sided role previously occupied by Sears, who moved into Downes’s central position. Two minutes later, Rovers switched Samuel for a debutant of their own, on-loan Chelsea man Kasey Palmer.

Town began to put the visitors under pressure, Harrison sending a dangerous ball across the six-yard box from a Woolfenden pass but no Blues player was there to apply the final touch.

At the other end, Corry Evans shot over from distance after the Blues had played themselves into trouble.

On 73 Chambers was harshly booked for a fine challenge on Bennett, Rovers skipper Charlie Mulgrew curling the resultant freekick over.

Rovers should have made it 3-1 in the 78th minute when Dack sent the ball across the face of goal from the right and Donacien blocked sub Joe Nuttall's first effort before clearly poorly to Palmer who shot too close to Bialkowski, who gratefully grabbed hold.

Town made their third substitution in the 79th minute with Ben Morris taking over from Sears, the England U19 international striker joining Harrison up front.

Morris made an immediate impact, first crossing low for Harrison from the right, but the former Bristol Rovers man’s flick was blocked.

Then the academy product was sent away by Edwards, who was clattered in the process, cut in and smashed a low shot which Raya saved with his toe.

From the corner the Blues went close again. Keeper Raya was unable claim a bouncing ball and Harrison hooked back into the area from where Woolfenden, looking far more comfortable in the first team than he did last week, headed over.

Edwards almost created himself a brilliant second of the game in the 86th minute, superbly flicking the ball over Williams just inside the Town half before taking it on into the area, cutting inside and smashing a shot which was diverted behind by Darragh Lenihan. Soon after the Irishman and then Richard Smallwood were both booked for fouls.

Morris and Edwards certainly deserved goals from their efforts but the Town equaliser when it came a minute into injury time was more fortuitous than brilliant.

Edwards laid the ball back to Edun from the right and the on-loan Fulham midfielder rolled it on to his left foot before sending over a cross which evaded everyone, struck the inside of the post and nestled in the net. Edun delightedly celebrated Town’s second debut goal of the afternoon.

The Blues went looking for a winner which probably would have flattered them on the balance of the game but there wasn’t time and Hurst’s first game ended in a 2-2 draw.

The new boss applauded the Sir Bobby Robson Stand at the end as did Edun, skipper Chambers and Knudsen, who acknowledged each stand as he walked off, perhaps notably given the reports linking him with a move to Stoke City.

Overall, a draw was probably a fair result from a game of few chances with the Blues finishing the stronger and having created opportunities even if the goal owed a lot to good fortune.

Blackburn will argue they should have had the game win via their chance a few minutes early when Bialkowski saved from Palmer having come from behind in the first half.

Hurst’s first game in charge showed promise - Edwards in particular had an excellent second half and Morris made a strong impression from the bench - but also that the squad is still far from ready and that there’s a busy week ahead with the transfer window closing at 5pm on Thursday.

Town are next in action at Rotherham, another of last season’s promoted League One clubs, next Saturday.

Town: Bialkowski, Spence (Woolfenden 38), Donacien, Chambers (c), Knudsen, Skuse, Chalobah, Downes (Edun 60), Sears (Morris 79), Edwards, Harrison. Unused: Gerken, Roberts, Dozzell, Kenlock.

Blackburn: Raya, Nyambe, Leniman, Mulgrew (c), Williams, Smallwood, Evans, Dack (Conway 83), Samuel (Palmer 62), Bennett, Graham (Nuttall 68). Unused: Leutwiler, Rothwell, Bell, Travis. Referee: Andy Davies (Hampshire). Att: 18,940 (Blackburn 1,070).

Photo: TWTD

EssexTractor added 18:03 - Aug 4 Simply get Andre Dozzell fit and play him as often as possible Today Bart one little mistake Donacien, no improvement on what we have Spence, migraine maybe after finding himself out positioned Wolfenden ok but gets caught in possession Chambers, truly showed all his experience as a Championship player, not his greatest fan but over 90 minutes our best player Knudsen stood firm Edwards aside for first half goal not in the game before the break, his second half run showed much promise, but is he lightweight? Chalobah, definite has class, what his best position, Paul Hurst needs to establish that Downes looks as though he could be good, but misplaced some passes, today not really a threat to opposition Skuse oh what to say, didn't make a mark on game , again in midfield positions lost possssion. Sears does a Sears, you want him to do well and yes he made first goal but beyond that did not make Blackburn shiver! Harrison learned today that despite his athleticism he isn't going to find bulky Championship centre halves that easy to shift Edun nice left foot, again looks to be a footballer and the glimpse of Morris provided a smile but with the majority of supporters wanting Paul Hurst to do well, and with a great atmosphere today, we will be patient and surely hope that the Waghorn money is wisely spent.

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Esseeja added 18:13 - Aug 4 Sears was ok, as was Harrison. Slide does not fit the system. Edwards is class, that flick was sensational. Tayo was decent for me, Donecian is better at RB than at CB and Spence was awful for me. Woolfenden looks like he is almost ready for first team football. Morris looks thirsty for goal when the chance comes, he just needs to improve his finishing. Our defence in those 2 crossing situations would be enough to say we need those 3 defenders. It was a good game overall, a draw will do fine.

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Esseeja added 18:15 - Aug 4 SKUSE does not fit the system*
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Jammstar added 18:15 - Aug 4 A truly deserved result. Blackburn didn't offer much, we gifted them both their goals from lazy defending. That said, Edwards and Chalobah look great, as does Wolf and Morris. Harrison was good but I would have liked to see more of him. The McCarthy era will truly be over when Skuse goes.. Chalobah to take his place, but we will need someone permanent there. Hoofball is dead!

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ArnieM added 18:19 - Aug 4 Lots of promising cameo performances from individuals in the side, but in essence we are not functioning, yet, as cohesive “team”. That will surely come over the first half of what will realistically be a transitional season for Hurst' Ipswich Town. The one question I do have is this.... Just WTF was Bart doing for their first goal???? CATCH THE BLOODY BALL MAN, you prize flapper!!

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Northstandveteran added 18:21 - Aug 4 Promising first and last ten minutes, the 70 sandwiched in the middle were fairly uneventful. Good atmosphere, Sun was shining, enjoyable day, optimistic the team will improve with time. And still 9th and above Norwich!
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SpiritOfJohn added 18:24 - Aug 4 Always tough playing a promoted side early in the campaign and Blackburn tried to bully us, but I felt that we competed well all over the pitch and didn't let them dominate us physically. Edwards and Chalobah stood out for me. Bart made his one mistake for the season and his distribution wasn't great today, which probably explains why Premier League clubs did not come calling. The game seemed to be crying out for Dozzell to cone on and pick a killer pass but Morris looked lively and Edun scored, so full marks to Hurst for his substitutions.

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blue75 added 18:26 - Aug 4 Couldn't make it today had to put up with Gillette Soccer Saturday & Mick McCarthy he didn't make it sound great he did praise Edwards & said he's the sort of player we'll like!! Take the positives today it's a point on the board 2 debut goals conceded a sloppy 1st 2nd was good play by Blackburn. Our players are still going to be scared to play at home 3 years of toxic atmosphere will do that!! It's only Hursts 1st game his style will take time to come through. Wish I'd been there today 18th defiantly & I'm looking forward to it!!

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rfretwell added 18:27 - Aug 4 Well that was pretty crap. Outgunned in midfield by much more battle hardened opponents. Terrible passing at times by Scuse! and others. Edwards was the one highlight but Rovers should have made it 3-1 in the second half with a gilt edge chance. We are in desperate need of Tilt imo. Pay Blackpool the money - he looks class in the clips. Also Nolan to make our midfield much tougher. Too many kids and ex league 1 players and it showed.

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StochesStotasBlewe added 18:28 - Aug 4 Patience required. Work in progress & will take a while to gel. The two Shrewsbury lads plus Tilt & a striker still to possibly integrate into the squad. Fair result. Danny Graham probably the best player on the pitch, the players were shattered at full time. Enjoyed the game although not high on quality, but i believe there will be some good times coming back to PR in time.

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rfretwell added 18:28 - Aug 4 Well that was pretty crap. Outgunned in midfield by much more battle hardened opponents. Terrible passing at times by Scuse! and others. Edwards was the one highlight but Rovers should have made it 3-1 in the second half with a gilt edge chance. We are in desperate need of Tilt imo. Pay Blackpool the money - he looks class in the clips. Also Nolan to make our midfield much tougher. Too many kids and ex league 1 players and it showed.

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rfretwell added 18:31 - Aug 4 Crap performance very disappointing. Edwards the highlight. Too many young lads and recent div 1 players. We desperately need Tilt, Nolan etc in or this season is going to be a real struggle. Where was all the high press we hear so much about? I must have blinked.
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Surco72 added 18:49 - Aug 4 Too many ex League 1 players and then asks for more to be signed!!! You really couldn't make it up
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Esseeja added 18:53 - Aug 4 I'm reading the end of some comments and according to you lot we played too many kids, most of that team was above the age of 23, man!!!
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jas0999 added 19:00 - Aug 4 Fair result. Both teams pretty average. We started strongly, but let Blackburn back in the game with some very poor defending. Even Bart made a very rare error. Second half, Blackburn were in control, but a fortuitous goal rescued a point, which considering the match overall we deserved. The squad quite clearly needs strengthening. Defensively poor. Very lacking up front. Not a huge amount of creativity in the middle. Not convinced by Sears, nor Spence for the thirty minutes he was on the field. This probably won't be popular, but Skuse also not as effective in my opinion. Overall this is work in progress and glad to get first point on the board. This does however need to be a very busy week of transfer activity. Over to Mr. Evans. We need new players.

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Gforce added 19:01 - Aug 4 We desperately need a top quality striker to replace Waghorn and provide support for Harrison,otherwise it will be a case of where are the goals going to come from. Bogle definitely isn't the answer.We need to go out and spend 4/5 million from Waggys sale,although I doubt it will happen.
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sfields added 19:14 - Aug 4 For 3 positives and 3 negatives and 3 solids Negatives: Sears - not good enough and doesn't do enough to be anywhere near this team Skye's - offers nothing and his passing was so average Spence - why is Emmanuel not playing? Oks: Bailko - not at his best but he is brilliant Chambers - very commanding skipper's performance Downes - steady but not enough of an attacking threat - better in the Skuse role Positives: Edwards good - very Currie like as a player - good feet but not electric Harrison - no service but worked so hard - will be good Chalobah - our very own Pogba! Just gutted Norwich scored late on but at least it wasn't Rhodes! Norfolkblue

1

StowTractorBoy added 19:22 - Aug 4 Thanks heavens we got the point however fortunate the equaliser was. Was always going to be difficult with new players and a new footballing style against a rampant team coming up from the division below. Glad someone was brave enough on here to criticise Bart for their 1st goal. What the hell was he doing ? Did not get the passing game we saw against West Ham today not helped by the fact that Skuse played too far forward and Chalobah played too deep. When he did move forward he looks a class act and am sure Hurst will play him mainly in the forward role. Time to say goodbye to Sears and Spence I'm afraid as neither good enough for me. Look forward to signing a few more players next week ready for the tricky trip to Rotherham.

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LWNR2013 added 19:41 - Aug 4 Good afternoon out. Pretty much as expected. Debutants all good. Chambers, outstanding. Edwards worth every penny and more. Edun has not been here for 36 hours..showed a lot of positives. Whatever you wished for - PH is now the man and showed great presence. Yippee! Oh and Trevoh really did look different class most of the time. Doig didn't miss much either. Need to flog Waggy and get Shrews duo plus another striker to pair with Harrison. But what do I know?

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oioihardy added 19:47 - Aug 4 Today we looked good in patches. And terrible in some. More goods than bad. From ground kicks bart kicking it up to Harrison didn't not work. Should of realised this and noticed he wasn't winning headers and should of used the full backs to pass it out more. Apart from that. Apart from that I love the signing of chalobah. He was quality. Can see a prem player in the making in him. And some brilliant win play. We are so desperately needing a new forward a Murphy type player for plan b to knock the ball down to Harrison. 2 cbs. Few more creative cms and at least 2 new forwards. I thought that was a good performance to build on though :) coyb!!!

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runaround added 19:59 - Aug 4 I think a point was all we deserved & it was a fortunate equaliser but we will take it! First half we edged it but gave away 2 poor goals but second half Blackburn were dominate physically & controlling the game until last few minutes when we started to get some joy. The players ran their socks off but it will take time for them to get used to each other and what Hurst expects them to do. Plus we are obviously in need of 3 or 4 additional players which hopefully will arrive this week. Good to be back at football though!

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ivegottheblues added 20:28 - Aug 4 Not quite the opening game I was hoping for. Having said that without the two awful defensive lapses we would have won. Agree with most of what has been said about individual performances. Chalobah exceptional & I think with time and better service Harrison will be a valuable asset, a bit reminiscent of David Johnson ((the 2nd). Whatever else don't let's make harsh judgements too early, it's going to be a big improvement over the past few yesrs

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herfie added 21:12 - Aug 4 First step on a long journey under a new, and very different, regime. Too early to rush to any meaningful judgements, other than to say that avoiding defeat was psychologically important. PH will have learned a lot about his team set up, and individual performances within it. Inavaluable as the pieces of a far from complete jigsaw continue to fall into place. Patience needed until that's complete. But it was clear from players' body language at the end, that nothing was left out there in terms of work rate and commitment. A solid base to build on.

4

warktheline added 21:13 - Aug 4 Way too early to judge or form definite opinions. Hurst has been playing catch up since arriving a tad late due to Shrewsbury's play off endeavours. New additions look imminent, and yes these additions are lower league players ( as some have pointed out and critized ) and Hurst's judgement should be scrutinised but after an initial 'settling in period'. What are some comparing these new signings to? McCarthy's endless signings of 'seasoned pros, journeymen, and injury prone' short term solutions? Our club needs a 'long term' plan, and Hurst has obviously 'ticked' many boxes to implement such wholesale changes. There's no doubting his self belief as he continues to recruit and develop a team unrecognisable to McCarthy's!

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Cakeman added 22:13 - Aug 4 Much to be positive about and the main thing being we appear to be in a transitional period but with a management team, players and supporters all pulling in the same direction. Considering our team has not been together for very long at all I thought they did very well. To be honest I could not see what system or systems we were playing but the effort and will for the cause earned us the point. After eighty minutes Blackburn were blowing out of their backsides which is why the likes of Graham and Dack were replaced. In contrast our younger element ran their hearts out to the end. Ten more minutes and we would have won it. Great effort lads and what a player we have in Edwards. PS it is very pleasing to hear and see how Paul Hurst is trying so hard to get the club smiling again. All in all I am very pleased.

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