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

Lightningboy added 22:35 - Aug 4 Grateful for the point in the end as I didn't see it coming once we went behind. On the plus side: Edwards was different class & will be great fan favourite if we can keep him fit. Woolfenden looks comfortable in the centre of defence when needed. Harrison looks like he could be a handful but was terribly isolated in the 1st half. On the downside: Thought Spence looked completely out of his depth at right back today from the off. 3 central midfielders were anonymous - Challobah was fairly dire - he can only get better (surely). Skuse is still the biggest problem for me - we need a midfielder with forward vision & drive. Still very early days & not much change in play (today) from last season tbh but appreciate it's going to take time to get all these new players to gel..first step on a long road ahead.

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eddiespearitt03 added 22:43 - Aug 4 When you have players who struggle to justify their selection then it is a no brainer to use the players who are creative, hungry and are more mobile. It was depressing watching some of what was going on today. We need ALOT more to our game if we want to finish in the top ten. Paul Hurst must make the changes asap. We have good young players, so lets use them !!!!

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BcarefulwhatUWish4 added 23:01 - Aug 4 2-2 at home against a side that are expected to be in the relegation zone (or thereabouts) at the end of the season? Not the most auspicious of starts. We will certainly have many much harder home games this season. Edwards looks a good signing.
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KiwiTractor added 23:15 - Aug 4 Glad we got something out of the match in the end. Some positives and a few negatives from the match for me. I must say I'm more than a bit worried about this season, if we lose Waggy - which it sounds like we will. Positives - Edwards, nice debut, well taken goal. The back 4 once Spence was off and Donacien was at RB. Woolfy looked sound. Ben Morris gave us a real spark off the bench and the last 10 minutes, when he was on we finally looked a threat. Negatives - I wouldn't play those 3 in midfield together - I know there is a lot of debate about Skuse, but for me today he was poor. Harrison worked hard but was very isolated, until the last 10 mins. His first touch wasn't great either. Sears ..... great cross for the first goal - then nothing except running. Edun thanks for the goal, but he didn't impress me at all - he was pedestrian when he came on and often passed back when there was an opportunity to pass forward. I don't want to sound too negative, but think the players need to be a bit braver on the ball. I also think the team will get better the more they play together, but not sure where the goals will come from this season? Little surprised at the crowd size, thought it might be a bit bigger for the first match. Not sure what the atmosphere was like there, but could hear the Blackburn fans more on TV.

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GiveusaWave added 23:50 - Aug 4 Lucky to get anything out of the match in the end....so though I was expecting us to take the 3 points I'm pleased with a point in the end (especially as it never looked likely...) We do desperately need to strengthen in some areas. Defence? Lacks steel. Midfield? Blown away by the opposition for large amounts of time during the match. Edwards looks great but that was the only real positive. Strike Force? Harrison looked isolated and apart from one moment Sears was very much like last season... I am not a negative person (I've posted for years on this board and you know I'm into PMA) and I'm not a doom-mongerer but I'm concerned this season. We are about 4 or 5 players away from being a mid-table outfit. We can't afford to lose any more players (we've already lost far too many). Busy few days ahead I hope....

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Benster1968 added 00:43 - Aug 5 Just got home from a nearly 600 mile trip from Exeter. Agree Edwards was the stand out player for me. Definitely a work in progress - good to take a point at the end Blackburn did command a lot of the game. Freddie doesn't always get the credit he deserves, excellent cross for our first goal. Hope Wolfendens injury isn't bad Roll on the Carabao cup so I get a local game to watch - don't forget guys it is 8 years since Adam Stansfield died when we last played Exeter - lets do him and our club proud

1

shakytown added 00:48 - Aug 5 Hurst now has more of an idea of the monumental task he has ahead of him. Defensively we are just barely above hopeless even with bart in goal and the midfield are so ineffective it's frightening what will happen when we play a good side. We desperately need some quality in these areas or it's going to be a long hard battle to survive this season.
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JimmyP45 added 06:57 - Aug 5 Decent performance and a good battle to shave a point. New players did well especially Edwards. Sadly I think Sears' days are numbered as he simply doesn't contribute enough. Although Spence went off, would still like to see Emmanuel or Donacien at RB and Woolfy in the middle. Skuse really isn't championship material. The hallmarks of any midfielder should be the ability to run, pass and take the ball forward at crucial times and I never see him do any of those. Chalobah is a far better midfielder.

4

finidi added 07:52 - Aug 5 A reality check today we are woefully short ofilm quality and experience lucky to get a point from a very averge Blackburn side. But Hurst knows what he wants and I am sure his conversation with ME on Monday will be you saw how short we are now get me more players in. Thought Chambers was immense Edwards the sort who gets crowdo on there feet. Clanger from Bart I guess he is allowed the odd one considering how he has saved us many a time. It was, nt until we changed shape that we looked more comfortable. Chalobah has to stop thinking he is Paul Pogba clearly has ability but tried some risky things he will have learnt what the championship is all about. Just a thought if we sign Tilt And Niasla who is going to drop put be a shame if it is Woolfenden as you have to give young players a chance and with Nolan coming in who is clearly a creative player where does that leave nynam dozzell bishop and huws if ever fit.

3

Swn98 added 08:06 - Aug 5 A game played in beautiful summer sunshine first 10 minutes good last 10 minutes good middle 70 as in seasons past lots of huffing puffing and effort with no end results. Last season i seem to remember when we won our first few games the football academics that make up the world of the news section were quick to point out wait till we play some decent teams well Blackburn were poor so we had better find some improvement quickly or we could be bang in trouble come Nov. Chambo lead the team brilliantly as usual,Skuse was solid until looked like he picked up a groin problem. think the kid from Fulham will do well Freddie did what he had to do providing the cross that lead to the goal wonder how the fans that see Hurst as the new messiah would of talked the end result up had we not converted that one. Edwards looks good think Harrison will struggle as loan front man. I hope this season is not going to be like last waiting for our injury prone midfield to get out of the treatment room.

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Swn98 added 08:17 - Aug 5 Very disappointed that Bluebore1981 hasn't surfaced to give his views on the game.
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leftie1972 added 08:28 - Aug 5 But we are above the scum everybody😀👍😁
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BlueMachines added 08:45 - Aug 5 For those blaming Bart I suggest watching the goal again. The ball is flicked on about 8ft into the air around 2-3 yards before it reaches him. Really not sure how he would be able to catch it as it wasn't directly above him. Looked flappy but IMO not much more he could've done.
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massivemole added 08:50 - Aug 5 I feel there is potential here for this season, only 2 negatives. Sears unless played through the centre is ineffective (I know he had an assist) And chalobah, looks a player,but if he sits and plays that deep there is no use for Skuse as well(not at home anyway.
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Northstandveteran added 09:03 - Aug 5 You assessed the match pretty much the same as I did swn. Harrison desperately needed support which is where the Shrewsbury target Nolan will come in. I wouldn't concern yourself about our injured midfielders. Hurst has made it clear that in the division he was in last year you play with niggles. Those on the sick bed will be moved on very soon I feel......
2

JimBaxter added 09:31 - Aug 5 Being honest not a great deal of skill on show. As others have commented Edwards looks half decent as did chalobah. Harrison looked lively and willing hopefully he can mature into a half decent striker at this level...also quite impressed with young Morris. I think sears may move on...2 bad goals conceded so as others have said work in progress but need to beat Rotherham next week.

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afcfee added 09:40 - Aug 5 Don't get the sears bashing he got an assist and with his pace will definitely become an asset when we are playing better teams who allow us more space.
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Northstandveteran added 10:59 - Aug 5 We all love Freddie. Not by any means suggesting the team is built around him, just hope that at some point a formation that he can fit into comes. Thought he looked a little lost yesterday and was unsure of what his duties were and where he should have been. But hey? Being a fresh start wouldn't have expected everything to gel in the 1st match.
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Rimsy added 16:27 - Aug 5 First competitive game for what is essentially a new team and it was ok. Will have helped Hurst no end to see what he has to build on. Once he gets in the players he wants he can mould them to his way. Still think Sears can contribute if played central. Skuse, as the old head in the team should have been leading by example but looked well off the pace and can see his days being numbered.

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BlueTractor78 added 09:50 - Aug 6 No meaningful judgements can be made on Paul Hurst or the new looking ITFC side until all the new faces are through the door and we are 10 games in. Simple as that!
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therein61 added 17:03 - Aug 6 Skuse solid!!!, Christ some people are blind.
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