Gwion Edwards fired the Blues into a second-half lead but Town continue to wait for an East Anglian derby victory over Norwich City after Moritz Leitner hit an equaliser for the Canaries as the game ended 1-1 at Portman Road. Edwards gave the Blues, who are without a derby success in nine years and still without a win this season, the lead with a deflected shot from the edge of the box on 57 but Leitner levelled with a low shot for the visitors 14 minutes later.

Dean Gerken made a shock return in goal for the dropped Bartosz Bialkowski in a Town team featuring six changes.

Loanees Jon Walters and Jordan Graham made their second Blues debuts, Matthew Pennington his first, while Jordan Spence returned at right-back.

Trevoh Chalobah, Ellis Harrison and Tayo Edun all dropped to the bench alongside Bialkowski, while Toto Nsiala was suspended after his red card at Sheffield Wednesday.

Janoi Donacien was the loan player to miss out on a place in the 18 with only five permitted in a matchday squad.

The Blues switched to a 4-4-2 system with Walters off Kayden Jackson up front and Graham and Gwion Edwards in the wide roles. For Norwich, ex-Blues striker Jordan Rhodes started.

Within seconds of the kick-off Town won a freekick not far outside the area when Cole Skuse was fouled by Emiliano Buendia but Graham curled his shot over.

The game got off to a frenetic start but with neither team threatening until the 13th minute when Skuse was harshly adjudged to have fouled Teemu Pukki on the right, the Bristolian having won the ball.

From Moritz Leitner’s freekick Alex Tettey headed over when he will feel he ought to have done better.

On 20, Spence and Walters worked space on the right for Edwards to cross.The ball reached Nolan on the edge of the box but his shot was blocked.

A minute later, Graham whipped over a freekick from the left which Norwich did well to defend, the on-loan Wolves man sent over a corner from the right which reached Skuse on the edge of the area but his header looped over.

Blues skipper Luke Chambers got his name in referee Robert Jones’s book in the 26th minute after tripping Rhodes, although it looked more of a tangle of legs than a malicious foul. From Leitner’s freekick, Timm Klose headed wide at the far post.

Tettey shot wide from distance for the Canaries on 32 with the game having been a largely scruffy affair with neither team able to fully impose themselves upon the opposition.

As the half moved towards its final 10 minutes the game began to open up with both teams surrendering possession too easily in midfield.

On 36 Onel Hernandez played in Pukki, who cut in from the left and hit a low shot which grazed the outside of the post, although the Gerken looking to have it covered.

Walters, who had had a relatively quiet half, burst into life in the 40th minute, smashing a powerful strike from distance which slammed off Norwich keeper Tim Krul’s left post and cannoned away for a throw.

Town were starting to look more of a threat and in the 43rd minute they felt they should have been awarded a penalty. Following a short corner, Nolan fed Graham, who took the ball past Rhodes and appeared to be fouled. As Town appealed, referee Jones awarded a freekick to Norwich and yellow-carded Graham for what he felt was a dive.

Town were forced into a change just before the break after Skuse suffered a nasty blow to the head in a clash with Klose at a Norwich corner.

The midfielder was treated at great length on the pitch before being stretchered off with his head in a brace. Trevoh Chalobah took over.

In lengthy injury time, Roberts hit the wall with a freekick after Walters had been fouled by Canaries skipper Grant Hanley, then from the corner Chambers headed wide. Neither side was able to threaten again before referee Jones blew his whistle.

While the scoreline was probably a fair reflection of the half, the Blues had perhaps looked marginally the more dangerous side with Walters’s effort off the post the nearest either team had come to a goal, while the Canaries had had most of the ball albeit with Gerken largely a spectator.

Of the debutants, Graham had sent in one or two dangerous set pieces but hadn’t been involved as much as Edwards on the other flank, who had found himself crowded out on too many occasions. At the back Pennington had had a strong first 45 minutes for the Blues.

Norwich switched Klose, who had undergone treatment on a couple of occasions in the first half, ahead of the second period with Ben Godfrey, who played for Town manager Paul Hurst’s Shrewsbury on loan last season, taking over at the centre of the defence.

The first opportunity of the second half fell to sub Chalobah in the 47th minute, Edwards’s corner from the right dropping to the on-loan Chelsea man 20 yards out but he screwed his shot well wide.

Four minutes after coming on, Godfrey was booked for catching Nolan late midway inside the Norwich half. Graham’s freekick was turned behind at the far post by Tettey.

From the resultant corner, the ball squirmed out to Chalobah but his low shot was forced wide with the Blues beginning to get up a head of steam.

On 55 Pennington played a great ball forward down the right and Walters crossed for Jackson, whose looping header was caught by Krul.

A minute later, Nolan’s dummy allowed the ball to run to Jackson inside the box with his back to goal but the striker realise the space he was in.

Town’s second-half pressure finally told in the 58th minute when Edwards gave them the lead with his second goal of the season.

Following a corner, Nolan played the ball out to Walters on the right of the area from where the on-loan Burnley man nodded down to Edwards.

The Welshman took the ball to his right before hitting a shot as he turned back towards goal which deflected off a Norwich defender and past the wrong-footed Krul. It was the first time Town had opened the scoring in a Portman Road derby since the 5-0 in 1998.

Having gone in front the Blues kept up the pressure and Edwards might have had a second on the hour mark.

The former Peterborough winger picked up a loose ball on halfway and drove forward. Jackson took away a defender allowing Edwards space and the Welshman struck a low shot which flew just wide of Krul’s right post.

The man of the moment wasn’t too far away again in the 63rd minute with a freekick which curled not too far wide.

Town continued to push with Norwich having found Walters unplayable since the break, while the Blues had been far better on the ball than in the first.

Norwich began to get into the game and in the 67th minute Gerken made his first save of the afternoon, reacting quickly to scoop away Tettey’s deflected shot from the edge of the box.

Moments later, Knudsen blocked Tettey’s goalbound header from a corner on the right, then from the subsequent flag-kick, the ball was played back into the area and Hanley flicked it over the bar from eight yards.

But a Canaries goal wasn’t too much longer in coming. Leitner found space on the edge of the box after Town had failed to clear a corner and hit a low shot which flew through a crowd of players and beat Gerken to his left.

Norwich had got on top in the period before the goal and maintained that momentum having levelled.

Town began to get back on top and in the 77th minute Pennington headed back into the box from distance to Walters, who was onside. The Ireland international tried to loop a shot over his shoulder but was crowded out, then Jackson’s second attempt was blocked.

On 79 Rhodes was replaced by Dennis Srbeny, the fifth game in a row against the Blues in which the former Kesgrave High School pupil had failed to score. Two minutes later, Town swapped Graham for Grant Ward, then on 84 Jackson was replaced by Harrison.

The momentum shifted back towards the Blues as the game moved into its scheduled final five minutes. Following a Knudsen long throw Walters scuffed a shot which arced across the six-yard box but without anyone being there to add a final touch, then on 86 Ward cut on from the left but scuffed his shot through to Krul.

Norwich began to get on top again as the match moved into its last couple of minutes and then four additional minutes of injury time.

Srbeny blazed over from a tight angle following a corner, then at the other end after a Knudsen throw from the right Harrison scuffed wide with the final chance of the game.

A draw was probably a fair reflection of the game overall and the Blues continue to wait for that elusive derby victory, the Canaries now having gone 11 without a defeat.

However, having gone in front in their dominant spell in the 20 minutes after the break they had opportunities to seal the win. However, Canaries levelled in their period on top which followed with both teams having moments in the latter period of the game but without making them count.

The draw, Town’s third in their three home games this season, sees them climb a place to second bottom of the table ahead of the two-week international break.

Town: Gerken, Spence, Pennington, Chambers (c), Knudsen, Edwards, Skuse (Chalobah 45), Nolan, Graham (Ward 81), Walters, Jackson (Harrison 84). Unused: Bialkowski, Downes, Edun, Kenlock.

Norwich: Krul, Aarons, Hanley, Klose (Godfrey 46), Lewis, Tettey, Buendia (Thompson 64), Pukki, Leitner, Hernandez, Rhodes (Srbeny 79). Unused: McGovern, Godfrey, Zimmermann, Stiepermann, Trybull. Referee: Robert Jones (Merseyside). Att: 25,690 (Norwich: 2,022).

Photo: TWTD

TimmyH added 14:38 - Sep 2 Not much between the two rather poor sides and a draw probably fair result, at least the 2nd half was more entertaining than the dreadful 1st half strewn with injuries and a lot of rushed low quality football. Walters and Pennington both had fairly solid debuts but have my doubts why Graham started. So the win less streak goes on, at least PH has a fortnight now to assess the first month of the season which in all honesty has been disappointing.

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timspencero added 14:40 - Sep 2 A bit gutted to be honest, having taken the lead. We just really lack quality and the only consolation was Norwich are very poor. Nolo (a lot of real ball-playing quality, unlucky to be associated with the mistake that led to their goals), Edwards (always an outlet, source of creativity and took two nodge players to mark) and Walters (wisdom and small windows of class) were highlights, with Pennington (slow, but very effective) looking very solid. Overall it was a reversion to bang it forward and hope, without any quality on the end to make a difference. Strange move by Hurst since it was different to how we've played any other game this season. Interesting to see what we do next. Glad we didn't lose but felt we should have won. Not sure where the definitive quality is, and where that leaves us overall. Continuing the faith that we'll get better. International break might be a good thing!

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runaround added 14:40 - Sep 2 Typical blood & thunder local derby but draw a fair result in my opinion as we didn't quite do enough to win the match. Norwich were better than us at both defending & attacking set pieces & we had chances to clear the ball before the equaliser. But we looked better going forward than in previous matches
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jjhbruno added 14:40 - Sep 2 What a truly awful game of football. How they can call themselves footballers after today is beyond me. Poor quality all over the pitch from both sides. It's like they've never kicked a ball before. League 1 game and that's being kind. Hoofball is back
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iaintaylorx added 14:44 - Sep 2 Not the best game of football and still see we're resorting to a lot of long balls. Rather draw tgan lose to those deluded lot though. Pennington was very impressive, as was Walters. Jackson looked lively and linked up will with Walters too. Will be a mediocre season while all the tactics etc takes time to bed in. Good two weeks off to see where we are going wrong. COYB!

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bluerico added 14:44 - Sep 2 Walters and Pennington had good debuts. Graham poor. Edwards and Nolan did well. A game we should have won but could have lost. When we get that first win we will start moving up the table. COYB.
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robmonkey007 added 14:45 - Sep 2 Looked more of a threat in front of goal now we have two up top and quality in Walters playing. Nolan looks a really good signing.....a championship version of Paul scholes I think. Edwards has moments of class then follows it up with Sunday morning football arrogance by holding onto it for too long. He needs to get a cross in or pass the ball....not just head down and run. Bit marmite for me, but think the coaching staff will get the best out of him. Pennington and chambers looked very good. With Nsiala back we have good options. Positives: created more, played attacking football, better formation, best performance so far. Negatives: Jordan graham, Edwards choosing to hog the ball, Jordan graham, killer instinct in front of goal and Jordan graham.

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pragmatic added 14:48 - Sep 2 Target 52 points out of 120. Pennington & Walters going to be big players for us nxt few months. Edwards & Nolan. lookup to the mark.
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Bluewelshman added 14:52 - Sep 2 Two struggling teams, both not firing on all cylinders, but this is Ipswich vs Naaarwich, and you need some stand out performances from a couple of the boys. Walters may be the link between the midfield and defence we have been waiting for this season, he made a huge difference to the attacking play. Pennington looked solid in defence, its a shame the reaction on this site was so negative when he was signed. Gwion didn't stop working throughout and his deflected goal was well deserved. Gerken did well despite the goal conceded, and to be honest there did need to be a change in goal until Bart can have a rest, as his poor form has cost us a few goals. All in all a game with some positives for town, and it all could have been different if we could have grabbed that phantom second goal in the ten minutes after we scored. The only major problem with todays result is...WE STILL CAN'T BEAT THE SCUM...ok that's out of the way. Still no need to panic though, because what this game has shown me is that Naaarwich is s**t and are going to struggle this season, while we steadily build our new future. COYB COYB

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TimmyH added 14:53 - Sep 2 robmonkey007 - agree with parts of your post particularly Edwards, but overall reading you'd think we were generally a good outfit, we're not. Hopefully after the fortnight break PH will have more of a clue who should be regular starters but saying that we've seen nothing of Dozzell, Huws or Downes. Not sure how bad the Skuse injury is? maybe an opportunity for Downes for more of a part or is that wishful thinking on my part?

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robmonkey007 added 14:59 - Sep 2 TimmyH....I'm not sure it was as bad as you think, but definitely lots to work on. Would like to have seen Downes also, especially earlier on. I think the players we've signed from lower leagues who are yet to show any gl8mpse of being ok at this level are Jackson and Harrison. Both so far look out of their depth and I'm sure statistics will show they can't keep possession or get a shot away. That is the key problem in my mind but obviously it's having a huge impact on these results. I think all would like Huws and Dozzell playing.....maybe a two week break gets them into contention.

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runningout added 15:00 - Sep 2 always get what you deserve in football whether liked or not. We have been ropey for a long time. Not going to blame anyone. As supporters we could give better backing at times too. Think we are showing good signs as a team
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Blue56 added 15:03 - Sep 2 Thought we had a good opportunity to finally beat Norwich, but draw was a fair result. Still not enough passion from players and several looked out of their depth. Walters had a great game, Graham, Nolan, Edwards and Jackson had poor games. Six games in without a win, and not beating a poor Norwich team at home is starting to sound alarm bells. Hope the Skuse injury isn't too serious.

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DebsyAngel added 15:04 - Sep 2 Enjoyable match - hoping Skuse's injury isn't too bad. Surprised Gerken started, but think he did ok. Walters was the difference - such a powerful performance, it's like he had never left. Edwards impressive and pleased he got a goal. Shame about the equaliser, but at least we did not lose.
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blue75 added 15:05 - Sep 2 Probably a fair result the chances were there to win it but not taken. Still we're unbeaten at home that's a positive to build on!!
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ShropshireBluenago09 added 15:09 - Sep 2 Even match, poor 1st half. Draw fair result. Just the 20 mins up to the goal we did look decent. Good debuts for Pennington and Walters. We are still not able to boss the midfield. Missing that ball carrier. Nolan is good but we still need some one similar to a Magilton type player to carry and pass. I hope Huws can step up when fit.
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ShropshireBluenago09 added 15:10 - Sep 2 ...oh and Sky 'Red button' is absolute garbage
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SpiritOfJohn added 15:13 - Sep 2 Bold move from Hurst to make so many changes - certainly more of a risk-taker than McCarthy. Impressed by Pennington and good to see Walters roll back the years. Disappointed not to get the second goal when we were well on top, as the budgies were at sixes and sevens after Klose left at half time. Hope Skuse is ok.
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northblue added 15:13 - Sep 2 Against a team that has spent 37m not bad. Walters will help the youngsters. 1 yellow card for all the fowls the scum committed is disgusting. Am sure the fa is giving refs a bonus to make sure results go against us
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Bergholtblue added 15:18 - Sep 2 Here we are again. A team so full of loanees that Donacian had to be left out of the squad because we had too many! When did Paul Jewell come back? I must have missed that. If we are going to go down, lets go down playing our own players!
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EssexTractor added 15:20 - Sep 2 The first half was exceedingly poor Gerken performed adequately and made one important block save. Cannot agree that Pennington was slow, he was imo our best player and with Chambers looked a good duo Spence a slight worry, Norwich created their danger throughout on his side of pitch. Knudsen , despite critics on this forum , played with a springing his step , was not really beaten in any dangerous position , and hopefully one day a long throw from him will lead to something. Nolan more involved , but still coming to terms with how to be as good in The Championship as in he was in League. Chalobah filled gaps but not much else today after Skuse sad departure So midfield again as for so long desperately needing creativity Come on medical team work on Huws and Dozzell Jackson ran and ran , but his close control and holding up play needs to be developed Edwards in first half also ran and ran. And with two Canaries in constant contact was often blocked out But he scored and almost added a second Good coaching should make him more dangerousness a winger as his actual crossing today, non existent Graham I will be careful about, his free kicks poor and seemed to Fal over his own feet and the ball. But he must have another chance And finally to Jon Walters, class up front, please stay for the whole of this season and educate Jackson and Harrison... No victory but not despondent IF our creative players can regain full fitness

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churchmansboy added 15:24 - Sep 2 Remove Edwards from equation and the remaining quality we had was on loan (Graham asides - no quality at all)...First time I have seen new look town via via red button, and do not envisage rushing back to PR any time soon based on that performance. Perhaps so many changes did not enhance our previous performances?
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TB42 added 15:39 - Sep 2 Watched the game on Sky Red button - have to say, in this day and technological age and as part of a subscription channel, that was very very disappointing viewer experience. The Game - Perhaps we should change our sponsor to an airline, following the early expectation of a more classy possession based game from PH with the ball on the ground, in this game the ball was continually in the air as a result of which at least 50% of the time, we lost possession. Norwich seemed to be able to keep the ball on the ground and pass it around far more competently than we did. I readily accept we are going through a transition and this will take time but today was a game where we need to take away some serious lessons. I remain a supporter of PH and hope he maximises the international break with some hard work on the training ground, getting the new players to bond and play together and more importantly, reaffirm the need to keep the white thing on the green stuff!!!!

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OwainG1992 added 15:40 - Sep 2 A proper football match between two rivals. Enjoyed the game and thought we edged it. Gwion looked lively and Walters is going to make a huge difference to us if not just for his experience. Pennington impressed me today. Jordon Graham was alright but nothing more. Finally just want to say hope Skuse is ok as it looked a bad one.
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heathen66 added 15:52 - Sep 2 Entertaining Derby Game I think there are lots to be positive about and Paul Hurst has brought a bit of togetherness back to OUR Club. Good support, and good performances from Walters, Edwards, Pennington, Nolan and Jackson. We probably deserved more than we got as apart from a 10 minute spell in the 2nd half, we allowed Norwich nothing. Will be good to get the 2 week international break and get everyone together and bed them into this new way of playing as some of these players have only known eachother for a matter of days. Onwards and upwards !!! COYB !!!.

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