Town and 10-man Preston drew 1-1 at Portman Road as Paul Lambert’s time in charge of the Blues got under way. Freddie Sears gave Town the lead from the penalty spot just before the break but sub Paul Gallagher equalised for the visitors on 73, who had keeper Chris Maxwell sent off in the 75th minute. Gallagher took over in goal with North End having used all their subs but the Blues rarely looked like finding a winner in the closing stages.

Jordan Roberts was a surprise inclusion in Lambert’s first Town team. The 24-year-old, who joined the Blues in the summer having left Crawley at the end of last season, made his full debut having made two sub appearances earlier in the campaign.

Town lined-up in a 4-1-4-1 system with Sears on the left and Gwion Edwards on the with Roberts the lone central striker.

Cole Skuse was in the deeper central midfield role behind Trevoh Chalobah and Flynn Downes.

At the back Luke Chambers was alongside Matthew Pennington at the centre of the defence - although swapped from previous games with the skipper on the right - with Jonas Knudsen at left-back and Jordan Spence at right-back. Bartosz Bialkowski was in goal.

For Preston, Josh Earl and Sean Maguire came into the starting Xl for the injured Andrew Hughes and Lukas Nmecha, who dropped to the bench.

After perfectly observed Remembrance Day tributes, Town started confidently with Spence breaking forward and winning an early corner. The former West Ham youngster continued to look the Blues’ greatest threat in the opening exchanges, sending in a couple of subsequent crosses.

Preston began to make an impression as the game reached the 10-minute mark and the Blues were forced to defend a couple of corners rather more successfully than they had at Millwall last week.

Town won a freekick 30 yards out on 15 which was played short to Roberts, who struck a powerful effort which was blocked by the diving Ben Pearson who had broken out of the wall and was left grounded. For reasons best known to himself referee Andy Woolmer awarded the Lilywhites a freekick, much to the frustration of the Portman Road crowd.

Bialkowski palmed away Callum Robinson’s shot in the 16th minute, then two minutes later Roberts, who had made a bright start to his full Town debut, shot well wide when stumbling after good work from Sears down the left.

The Blues just about managed to keep out another Preston corner in the 25th minute, Chalobah nodding away Earl’s header. A minute later the on-loan Chelsea man’s loose pass across his own half of the field gifted the ball to Preston in a dangerous position but the visitors were fortunately unable to make anything of it.

The Blues, spending far more time in the opposition half of the field than in previous games, continued to have most of the game and on 28 Edwards whipped over a ball from the right which Preston skipper Tom Clarke did well to divert away from Downes who had broken into the area at the far post.

Three minutes later, Roberts shot powerfully wide, then on 34 Edwards’s cross from the right was too deep for Downes, again breaking into the box from midfield.

Blues captain Chambers picked up the game’s first yellow card in the 37th minute for a foul on Maguire, again to the annoyance of the Town support.

From the freekick the Blues broke through Sears and eventually won a throw on the right. In the aftermath the ball bounced out to Downes on the edge of the box from where the midfielder, who had taken most of Town’s set pieces, hit a difficult effort over the bar.

A minute before half-time Sears netted the first goal of the Lambert era from the penalty spot, the former Colchester man having played a role in winning the spot-kick.

The ball was played back towards Lilywhites keeper Maxwell by Earl from midway inside their half. Sears closed him down and the Welshman took the ball past the striker but Roberts beat him to it just inside the box and the keeper was late with his tackle, felling him.

Referee Woolmer looked to his assistant before pointing to the spot and booking Maxwell. Preston midfielder Daniel Johnson was also cautioned for his protests before Sears hit a low shot into the corner of the net to the keeper’s right before celebrating his first goal of the season in front of the tunnel.

There was no further action before the half-time whistle which was met with warm applause after a much, much better first period from the Blues, who deserved their lead at the break.

Roberts had provided a much-needed focal point to the attack and Town looked a more forward-thinking, positive and confident outfit across the board with Edwards and Sears causing problems on either flank and Downes looking to get himself in the box as crosses were sent in.

At the other end, Preston had created little with their only significant chance the header from Earl which Chalobah nodded away.

The visitors were the first to threaten after the restart, Maguire playing a ball in from the right ahead of Robinson, who was only able to stab straight at Bialkowski. Moments later, Edwards was booked for catching Ben Davies with high boot.

Preston had made the brighter start to the second period but Town gradually began to get on top with space opening up in the Lilywhites’ half as they chased an equaliser.

On 57, following a freekick deep on the left which the visitors had been unable to properly clear, Skuse miscued a volley wide.

A minute later, Chalobah broke from deep having been fed by a Roberts pass but shot over from the edge of the box.

Just after the hour mark, Pennington rose highest but headed Downes’s corner from the left wide. On 62 Preston swapped Johnson for Louis Moult, then seconds later Sears was booked for a foul.

Clarke looped a header towards goal from Robinson’s corner in the 70th minute but Bialkowski claimed confidently under his bar. Two minutes later, the visitors replaced Alan Browne and Tom Barkhuizen with Lukas Nmecha and Paul Gallagher.

And almost immediately Preston equalised. Referee Woolmer judged that Robinson had been fouled just outside the area, a decision the Blues felt was harsh. Sub Gallagher took the freekick and hit a low effort which flew between the end of what looked a chaotically set-up wall and the inside of the post.

The Portman Road crowd reacted positively to the set-back and got behind their team who, with Kayden Jackson having replaced Roberts, immediately went looking to restore their lead.

And Town’s cause was given a significant boost in the 75th minute with the visitors reduced to 10 men when keeper Maxwell was sent off.

The former Wales U21 international rushed off his line and upended Jackson as the pacy frontman reached a ball forward on the Town right and was shown his second yellow card of the afternoon and then a red.

With Preston having used all their subs, after lengthy discussions forward Gallagher was given the green jersey and took his place in goal. As Town prepared to take the freekick, which came to nothing, Danny Rowe replaced Edwards.

The impressive Downes made way for Andre Dozzell in the 85th minute with the Blues having been unable to profit from their opponents’ lack of numbers or recognised goalkeeper.

If anything Preston had been on top and in the 88th minute only a brilliant last-ditch Pennington tackle on Nmecha prevented the sub, who had been found in acres of space breaking into the area by Maguire, from winning it for the Lancastrians.

As the end of scheduled time approached Town finally began to threaten, Rowe hitting a volleyed shot which Gallagher batted spectacularly into the air before it was cleared.

The fourth official’s board signalled seven additional minutes, largely for the red card incident and an earlier spell of treatment for a head injury to Knudsen.

Town were unable to cause the stand-in keeper much trouble despite the lengthy added-on time with Preston having the better of it. Pennington was booked for a foul on Maguire.

Just before the whistle Town won a corner on the left but Spence’s header was off-target and Lambert’s first game in charge of the Blues ended in a draw, the sixth at Portman Road this season.

Lambert came on to the pitch to applaud the Sir Bobby Robson Stand at the end, the Blues support having chanted their support for the new boss over the course of the game.

Despite not claiming the win, Town were better than they had been in their final games under ex-boss Paul Hurst.

Having got their noses in front in the first half, they played more conservatively in the second, looking to catch the visitors on the break but never really looked like extending their lead with Roberts, who had given the Preston defence problems in the first period, among a number of Town players to tire after the break.

Lambert will undoubtedly be less than impressed with the Preston goal with the wall looking less than solid and will also be disappointed that his side was unable to test Gallagher’s goalkeeping ability more than Rowe’s strike, which the makeshift keeper dealt with effectively if unconventionally.

The draw ends a run of three defeats in a row in which Town had failed to score but still leaves them bottom of the table, now five points off the three teams above them, who include next week’s opponents Reading in 22nd, who they meet at the Madejski Stadium.

Town: Bialkowski, Spence, Pennington, Chambers (c), Knudsen, Skuse, Chalobah, Downes (Dozzell 84), Edwards (Rowe 77), Roberts (Jackson 74), Spence. Unused: Gerken, Donacien, Edun, Lankester.

Preston: Maxwell, Earl, Pearson, Clarke (c), Davies, Robinson, Browne (Nmecha 72), Johnson (Moult 62), Huntington, Maguire, Barkhuizen (Gallagher 72)). Unused: Rudd, Fisher, Gallagher, Storey, Barker, Nmecha. Referee: Andy Woolmer (Northamptonshire). Att: 15,129 (Preston: 404).

Photo: TWTD

runaround added 18:21 - Nov 3 Players tried their hardest & you could see they were better organised but we really needed to win & it was gutting when they equalised. It was obvious we don't have enough goals in the team & also lack height. I thought when their keeper got his marching orders we had a great chance but the outfield player is goal made a brilliant save. With other results going against us we really need to win at Reading now but Lambert's task to keep us up is a difficult one to say the least

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michael99 added 18:28 - Nov 3 Grinch 15 mins is actually 1/6 of the game I believe
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blue86 added 18:29 - Nov 3 great to see lambert giving instructions and encouraging the players, was good to see some passion. team selection was a suprise, but in a good way. 1-1 was a tad disappointing after a very good performance buts its early days. at the end of the day even if we just avoid the drop this season it will be a sucess in my eyes, but with lambert in charge i beleive we have a manager who could build a good side with a bit of time and money. coyb

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DebsyAngel added 18:30 - Nov 3 A much improved performance and a very entertaining match. Preston didn't deserve to get anything from this but ho-hum. Sears was absolutely excellent, and didn;t think we actually had any bad players today. A lot of work to be done, but a very promising start under Lambert, with the pressing and quicker paced football.
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dalianwasexciting added 18:33 - Nov 3 I was not there today, work commitments 300 miles away...however listened to Suffolk and Sky. A lot seems better, but clearly this squad is not the one PL needs in its entirety and scoring goals clearly remains a massive issue. Those who expect miracles need to wait until January to see what manoevering can be done in the market. That said definitely sounds streets from where we were under PH. Its going to be a struggle to stay up, the damage done by PH reign has left a legacy that cannot be immediately corrected, I wonder if some free agents may appear soon.

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Suffolkboy added 18:34 - Nov 3 Can only judge from match text and comments +report BUT from stats , text etc it does look a better organised TEAM performance : let's hope it points the way forward to a better level of success and growing confidence amongst the players . In the interim we should to the last man look for ,praise and applaud all the good things and performances ,it'll help everybody at ITFC beyond measure ! It's always possible to centre focus on the errors , mistakes and misjudgements ,but let's get away from that approach : unqualified support is what we need for the rest of this season ! COYB

4

WoodfordTim added 18:45 - Nov 3 We looked a team today. Thoroughly enjoyed an entertaining match, but disappointed that we didn't get all the points of course. We've got a proper manager now and another week training & preparing will be very useful. We have to do better with the balls we put into the opponent's box though
6

blueboy1981 added 18:45 - Nov 3 Where were Ya ... ?? - YOUR team needed YOU. Not a brilliant turnout considering the importance of the game, and first game for a new manager - however the one's who were there sung their hearts out, and all contributed to an atmosphere we all want at Portman Road. Only one team in it first half - US. We played well considering recent performances, and always on the front foot. We should have had the three points in the bag without doubt. Second half - somewhat of a Tramps Ball - naivety lost us two points, and but for a world class tackle from Pennington with precision, we would have lost all three points yet again. Make no mistake Paul Lambert is capable of doing a sound job for us, but he has an enormous task ahead of him for us to avoid relegation. A point at home is, and will not be, enough - and we were somewhat fortunate to get that in the end. Against 10 men, is the ultimate reality of it. Encouraged yes, but the naivety must be eradicated. Most, or some, will understand the reason for saying that.

16

jas0999 added 18:47 - Nov 3 There is a glimmer of hope. This was a better showing and we seemed more organised. Great to see PL so animated on the touch line. But, on the negative side, we really need to win these type of home games and in the end, with them down to ten men and without a keeper, the result is disappointing. That's primarily because after the sending off we simply didn't test them enough. In fact, they were probably the better side. Nonetheless, this was still a positive step in the right direction. The lads all tried. They were playing for the manager and there was a plan. However, as PL and everyone knows the squad lacks quality and isn't good enough. If Lambert can get this average bunch playing and picking up points prior to january and we aren't out of touch, then there is every chance of survival, providing Evans frees up a significant transfer budget. Currently however, although the performance was much better, I simply can't see who is going to score goals in open play.

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blueboy1981 added 18:48 - Nov 3 ........ not one to criticise Referee's - but he was an absolute disgrace to the profession today.
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RegencyBlue added 18:52 - Nov 3 Lamberts only had a few days but produced a much better performance so big positive there. The problem is that he can only work with what he's been left with and there are no goals in this side. Our only hope is that Lambert can keep us in touch until January and then bring in a couple of decent strikers. It's a big ask!
6

Lord_Mac added 18:54 - Nov 3 Let's hope for a miracle, but equally not panic if we don't get one. It looks as though PL will get us up at the first time of asking even if we do go down, so let's stay with it and at least we should be in our rightful place, just two years late.
6

ThaiBlue added 19:00 - Nov 3 It's a point and people entertained which is a start.keep picking up bits and pieces here and there until January and get a few new faces in might just hold on to our championship status,just keep behind Lambert and the great support we have.
6

StowTractorBoy added 19:00 - Nov 3 I am not too optimistic about our survival chances not because of the way we played today or Paul Lambert but because we just do not have the necessary quality to create and score goals. Today was much better than of late but Preston were very poor and still looked the better side towards the end with 10 men and looked like they could win it. There is no doubt the spirit returned to the side but the class is clearly missing. This apparently was the first game in the championship this season for todays referee and we could all see why. A much better display from Town today but an opportunity lost for me. Its going to be a long hard season I'm afraid.

6

Swn98 added 19:09 - Nov 3 Just in from game well what a difference a week makes thoroughly enjoyable match we seemed much more confident in all departments, a blow that we conceded in the latter stages of the game. Lets hope this sparks our revival.
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blueboy1981 added 19:11 - Nov 3 Best not take a look at the Championship table tonight - every ITFC fans worst nightmare - that's why we have to all rally round the Club and new Manager from this point on. The reversal of this trend just has to happen - starting right NOW.
7

LondonBlue73 added 19:15 - Nov 3 Please do not comment about the match if you didn't go and if you did go get your facts right. Opinions can differ, facts do not. The ball was in play for 8 minutes 57 seconds after the sending off. Those stating we couldn't score with ten men and a striker in goal or saying for twenty minutes plus ?????? Also we all know where we are weak. All I ask is improvement and today was.

7

algarvefan added 19:24 - Nov 3 Good to see Danny Rowe get some time and he impressed me as he has before, I'm hoping PL gets the chance to look at the younger players. It pains me to say it but look at Nodge flying high with a young team. maybe we already have a good striker in the likes of Folami or Morris. A substantial improvement for me today and who ever wins against 10 men anyway, but the right direction by PL.

6

TractorBeezer added 19:33 - Nov 3 We certainly started brightly and then faded second half. Lots of positive signs but where are those elusive goals going to come from? Any lessons to be learnt from the Preston free kick goal? Also, can someone please refresh my memory about when Walters is expected to be fit? UTTBs
2

Dissboyitfc added 19:35 - Nov 3 Just got home from the game, there are positives, sears was back to his best, Roberts was like a new signing, we looked like a team with a plan and an identity and it was entertaining, enjoyed the game and a massive well done to the crowd, especially the North Stand, great noise from the guys and girls in there, lovely to hear and experience, been a while! The enthusiasm of Lambert from the sidelines was a pure joy to see, the only thing he didnt do was put a pair of boots on although he did head and kick every ball in his head i am sure! Now the negatives, we still make far too many mistakes which if we we were playing a better team i am sure we would have been punished for without a doubt! Challobah can be a hero and a villain in the same minute! And of course the biggest worry is the lack of goals and the obvious lack of a real threat, need to get that sorted asap! If we can stay in touch by January i am sure we can survive. Never normally one to comment on a ref, but that today was as bad as you will see, shocking! Their keeper should have walked when he gave away the penalty. I was disapointed in the crowd today and i will say this, if any of you didnt go to the game, dont have an opinion on the game you are not qualified to have an opinion on the game! Tough times ahead for sure, but we keep going, get behind the team! Perhaps see some of you at reading next week! COYB's

7

cat added 19:41 - Nov 3 Not often we can say this but today we were the better team. A more solid and organised performance marred only by the lining up of the wall for their goal. On today's showing we should survive this season, let's hope we can get a bit of consistency and climb the table. Watching lambert he was literally kicking every ball, great to see some passion and enthusiasm from the technical area.

8

dommyboyblue added 19:47 - Nov 3 Barring the shambles that was that free kick (still seething about that, being a keeper I am not happy with narts organisation at all, a gift of a goal). Was great to be there today, if we were not in such a dire situation would not be so much of an issue. Chalobah for me is not a midfielder but does his best. Thought roberts put in a shift and actually front three were all good. Lacking quality in midfield and goalscorer. Should be ok though i reckon.

2

backwaywhen added 19:53 - Nov 3 Henrietta ..... your a plum ! ...budgie no doubt.
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TractorBeezer added 20:12 - Nov 3 Dissboy...I agree with most of your comments except for those who you feel are entitled to an opinion. Many of us live overseas and watch/listen via iFollow.
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herfie added 20:25 - Nov 3 After just 4 full days on the training pitch, today's overall performance surely gives us some hope where, frankly, it was rapidly ebbing away under PH/CD? Very disappointing not to get the win; but PL's very presence, his enthusiastic cajoaling from the touchline and obvious ability to squeee more from the lads, both individually and collectively, will hopefully only gain in momentum as the weeks go by. We need to buy into it, be patient and give PL and the lads max support. COYB!

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