Debutant sub Macauley Bonne netted an injury-time equaliser as Town drew 2-2 at home to Morecambe in an entertaining opening-day encounter at Portman Road. Cole Stockton put the visitors ahead on 22 before Scott Fraser levelled for the Blues in the 61st minute. Stockton was gifted a second on 72 before Bonne spared Town’s blushes right at the death.

Eight players were handed their Blues debuts the Gamechanger 20 and Paul Cook eras got under way in earnest.

Vaclav Hladky was in goal with Matt Penney at left-back, while Kane Vincent-Young at right-back and centre-halves Toto Nsiala and Luke Woolfenden, the only player who was involved in the final day game against Fleetwood, were the only players starting who were at the club last season.

Lee Evans skippered in central midfield alongside Rekeem Harper with Scott Fraser on the left and Wes Burns on the right. Conor Chaplin was behind lone striker Joe Pigott.

For Morecambe, ex-Blues loanee Toumani Diagouraga and academy product Shane McLoughlin both started as they handed six players debuts after a summer personnel turnaround of their own.

The 21,037 Portman Road crowd making their return after 17 months had already been in fine voice before manager Paul Cook appeared to rapturous applause four minutes prior to the scheduled kick-off time before taking his place in the dugout.

The volume increased significantly when the players made their way out of the tunnel and lined-up for the handshakes across the halfway line.

After a minute’s applause in tribute to legendary Blues striker Paul Mariner, who died last month aged 68, the game got under way with the crowd continuing to make themselves heard.

But it was the Shrimps who made all the early running, winning a corner, from which Ryan Cooney spectacularly air-kicked after the ball was played to him just outside the area.

On seven, Morecambe keeper Kyle Letheren had to rush off his line quickly to clear after a defender deflected a through ball towards him with Burns chasing into the area.

Three minutes later, Fraser was bundled over by Diagouraga five yards outside the penalty area to the left. Evans took the kick and caused the first ‘Oooo’ of the afternoon from the fans as his shot flew narrowly past Letheren’s right post.

Town began to get more into the game and on 13 Vincent-Young was felled by Liam Gibson as he broke away down the right but Fraser’s free-kick came to nothing.

The Blues were gaining confidence and were starting to find some fluency with the noise of the fans behind them, and in the 19th minute Pigott wasn’t too far away from opening his account when he flicked a stooping near-post header across goal from Fraser’s corner from the right onto the roof of the net.

However, it was the Shrimps who would take the lead in the 22nd minute with their first goal in League One.

Vincent-Young’s poor clearance found Cole Stockton, who brought the ball into the area and to the right unchallenged with the Town backline standing off him before slipping past the advancing Hladky.

It was a dreadful goal to concede from a defensive perspective but one which will live long in the memory for Stockton and the travelling Morecambe fans.

Town set about getting back on terms and didn’t look unduly affected by going behind - the team of the last few seasons having been one which often reacted badly to adversity - and in the 28th minute Nsiala nodded wide at the far post under pressure from a Fraser corner from the right.

However, Stockton wasn’t too far away from a second on the half hour when, following a neat move, he curled a low shot past Hladky’s left post from 25 yards with the ball, according to referee Craig Hicks, having taken a deflection on the way.

Morecambe were forced into a sub in the 33rd minute when Ryan Delaney, who trained with Town during a pre-season trip to Ireland in 2016, was replaced by Sam Lavelle.

Two minutes later, Nsiala pulled up as he ran down the touchline holding his hamstring and dropped to the turf. With new signing George Edmundson not fit and not on the bench, and Corrie Ndaba having played for the U23s this morning, Janoi Donacien took over in his less favoured centre-half role.

Almost immediately after the change, Penney was sent away in space on the left of the box and struck a shot into the side-netting, reinvigorating the support.

As the game moved into injury time, a Morecambe free-kick on the left dropped to Arthur Gnahoua just inside the box but the Frenchman’s effort looped well into the Sir Bobby Robson Stand.

The Blues built up a head of steam in the final moments of the half and put the visitors under pressure. A Vincent-Young shot blocked, then a cross came in from the left from Penney, before Burns sent over a dangerous low ball from the right which flashed along the six-yard line with no one able to get a touch.

There was applause at the whistle despite Town being behind. It had been a patchy half from the Blues. After a slow start, they had started to gain control of the game when Morecambe scored a goal which was a bit of a mess from a Town perspective.

Town hadn’t managed a shot on target but in the final couple of minutes before the break they began to put the Lancastrians under pressure, something they will need to continue once the second half gets under way.

Neither side made any changes ahead of the second half with the Blues starting positively and managing their first shot on target.

Pigott picked up a loose ball after Burns and a defender had tangled before taking inside and hitting a well-struck 25-yard effort which Letheren palmed behind for a corner.

In the 49th minute Wes McDonald was shown the afternoon’s first yellow card for a foul on Chaplin after a late challenge on the former Barnsley man as he exchanged passes with Pigott on the left.

There was a scare for the Blues in the 53rd minute when Evans was caught in possession just inside the Town half but fortunately Morecambe’s swift break was snuffed out.

Two minutes later at the other end, as rain began to fall heavily as it had earlier in the day, Fraser struck a cross-shot from the left over the bar.

Town should have levelled in the 57th minute when Penney was found in space on the left of the area. The former Sheffield Wednesday man opted to cut across the area rather than shooting and put the ball behind everyone rushing into the box. However, it reached the deeper Vincent-Young, whose effort was deflected behind for a corner.

The Blues fans and players made their frustration with referee Craig Hicks clear in the 59th minute after Penney was very clearly tripped by Town old boy McLoughlin as he broke towards the area on the left, not the first decision which had gone against Town.

Two minutes later, those chants of frustration towards the referee turned to celebrations as the Blues equalised.

Fraser exchanged passes with Chaplin, who had begun to get more into the game after a quiet first half, as he broke into the area and curled a left-footed shot across Letheren and into the net.

Town continue to take the game to the visitors with Vincent-Young making a number of trademark runs down the left before being stopped by challenges, which looked for the most part to be fouls although with referee Hicks continuing to be less than generous to the Blues with his decision-making.

When he did give the Blues a free-kick his over-fussiness required it to be taken three times before he was happy.

The second half had been all Town and they appeared the only likely scorers of the second goal but in the 72nd minute they gifted the visitors a second.

Penney underhit a pass weakly to Woolfenden, who casually tried to take it past Stockton, who dispossessed him and brought it into the area. Hladky forced the striker wide and as Donacien slid in, the Morecambe number nine tapped home his second of the game.

Gibson was finally yellow-carded for the latest in a succession of fouls in the 75th minute as the home crowd began to sound more frustrated. On 78 Evans joined him in the book for a foul on Jonah Ayunga.

Town swapped Chaplin, who had grown into the game after a quiet first half, for James Norwood and Bonne for Pigott in the 79th minute. Soon afterwards, Penney got his name in the book for fouling Ayunga as Morecambe broke.

Four minutes after his introduction, Norwood was booked for vehemently complaining to the referee having been adjudged to have fouled Ryan Cooney.

The game drifted into a litany of cheap free-kicks awarded against the Blues - and conversely what looked more obvious fouls not given against the Shrimps - with the players and crowd all expressing their frustration with referee Hicks.

As the fourth official’s board announced four additional minutes, Town weren’t looking like getting an equaliser.

But a minute in to added-on time Ipswich-born Bonne saved the Blues’ opening day blushes by finding the net via route one. Norwood flicked on a long ball and the on-loan QPR man held off his man and confidently slipped past Letheren.

Seconds before the end, Norwood headed the game’s final chance over as the game ended all-square.

The Town players were cheered and applauded for their late comeback at the whistle, while referee Hicks was booed off as he reached the tunnel after an inconsistent and often perplexing display.

A draw was probably a fair result overall. Having got on terms via Fraser’s well-worked goal, the game looked there for the taking by the Blues but they handed the visitors the lead for a second time via a howler which Woolfenden will want to forget very quickly.

The match seemed to be going nowhere and Town set for defeat when Norwood flocked on to Bonne to score his first goal for the club he supports.

Town continue to look the work in progress they are but with positive signs in patches, not least the character they showed to come back twice.

They’re next in action at home to Newport County in the Carabao Cup at Portman Road on Tuesday.

Town: Hladky, Vincent-Young, Nsiala (Donacien 38), Woolfenden, Penney, Harper, Evans (c), Burns, Fraser, Chaplin (Norwood 79), Pigott (Bonne 79). Unused: Holy, Barry, Dobra, El Mizouni.

Morecambe: Letheren, O’Connor, McDonald (Ayunga 61), Diagouraga, Stockton, Delaney (Lavelle 33), McLoughlin, Cooney, Gibson, Gnahoua (Leigh 76), McCalmont. Unused: Andresson, Mellor, Leigh, Jones, Phillips. Referee: Craig Hicks (Surrey). Att: 21,037 (Morecambe: 356).

Photo: Matchday Images

jas0999 added 18:06 - Aug 7 An entertaining game with a number of positives, but overall a disappointing result. Considering Morecambe also made multiple changes this season, were playing in front of a large crowd and were newly promoted - we really should be winning these type of games. Evans looks a class act though and certainly a number of the new signings look good. But defensively we are still awful and the way we conceded simply isn't good enough at any level. I'm sure there is more to come.

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SpiritOfJohn added 18:12 - Aug 7 Entertaining game today. Both fullbacks offered good width but their end product was often disappointing. Evans, Burns and Harper were composed and played some nice football in patches. Pigott was a handful, but he didn't get much help from Chaplin. However, Chaplin linked up beautifully with Fraser for the first equaliser. Some uncomfortable viewing whenever Morecambe ventured past the halfway line so hoping the next recruits are defenders.

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chepstowblue added 18:16 - Aug 7 Personally I've been going on about the central defence for months. 2 very docile characters who are a liability at times. Its staggering that it hasn't been addressed. Conceding goals(the like of which we'd have got the cane for as 8yr olds) seems to be far to readily accepted as the norm now at every level. 'Just one of those things that happen'. Well they shouldnt happen. And only in april will people start to realise just how costly they are. Because Woolfy is far too casual and lackadaisical. Edmundson may well be our most important signing. A lot to ask of a 23yr old, but he'll need to box some ears.

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Europablue added 18:21 - Aug 7 chepstowblue Sometimes it only takes one good CB to come in and take charge then the CB partner who was previously awful is suddenly decent. It's actually a big part of defending to have a good partnership and trust.
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DebsyAngel added 18:23 - Aug 7 Well I did it.... it was a big step for me, but glad I went. Not impressed with the ludicrously long queue to get in, and thanks to the abysmal phone reception, could not show the NHS App as it would not load. Thank goodness I took my Vaccination card! Was strange to be back, but did not stick around in the concourse. We were not questioned about taking drinks in our bag. As for the game - it was hard to focus on, as being over-aware of surroundings, but managed to settle in the second half and enjoyed the game. Think a draw was a fair result but the team needs time to (God, I hate to say the word) GEL as a lot of new players there. Was impressed with Bonne, KYV, Harper and Burns. Just glad I took the step to attend. Hopefully feel a lot more confident the next time around!

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Facefacts added 18:26 - Aug 7 We need to be prepared for bad refs looking to make a name for themselves. And cut out the mistakes that give the opposition hope and something to hold on to. Big relief to get a point today.
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SeasonTKT_Cobbold added 18:27 - Aug 7 Thought Evans was excellent in the middle and can spot a pass. So many positives to work on and I really believe the team will be an enjoyable watch this year. So great to be back in my seat after such a long period away. Great atmosphere which I'll always remember!
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Europablue added 18:31 - Aug 7 Our fans are so fickle. People were glad to see the back of Evans after 12 years, then today you have people saying things like "Thought Evans was excellent". The whole thing's a joke!
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Blueballs83 added 18:31 - Aug 7 Great to be back, electric atmosphere and a team which will soon be proud of! Looked exciting at times with some slick passing moves using the full backs well. Thought Evans passing and Harpers composure were highlights. Loved every minute! COYB
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Eddie1985 added 18:31 - Aug 7 Confetarate blue... Who the hell are you to tell me my clun don't want me... Who do u represent or presume to speak for????!!! Me and my family have followed town for decades... So now apparently the ownerrs and manager are beyond question and we should all be over the moon with drawing at home to Morecombe???!!!! You do realise that all the money the Americans put in they intend to take out!!! They are not just bring charitable. The fact is if you carve up a squad because they were not good enough and have given you poor results then purchase players at much cost of your choosing then you leave yourself open to criticism if you lose yo a minnow like more come.... If lambert has presided over the same result given the same funding everyone would be beside themselves

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therein61 added 18:32 - Aug 7 Not a bad game to watch(ref was an absolute disaster) and we have a point from it this team when it gels will be a force but we need an experienced general in the middle of the back four to keep us calm and reduce the errors that have hampered us in recent seasons, Just so pleased to be back in the ground after so long, COYB.
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Saxonblue74 added 18:34 - Aug 7 Eddie1985, if you were up to speed with what has been happening at PR you'd know that we haven't spent much money. Business has been shrewd with much of the expenditure having been supplemented by incoming transfer fees. That was a good performance from a bunch of relative strangers with much more to look forward to.
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Lukeybluey added 18:35 - Aug 7 I thought we played some good stuff today. Very impressed with Evans and Harper in midfield, pinging passes left right and centre. Harpers got a decent touch and a bit of trickery about him. Wes Burns I also think will be a decent player for us, showed glimpses of skill and speed. I thought the weakest area by far was centre defence. If we could get a leader in there alongside Edmondson then I think we'll be rocking. Was decent to be back at PR, great atmosphere all around the ground. Although to the young lad (17/18) that was sitting near us obviously never got enough hugs as a child as he was the most negative person I've ever heard! He must have had a bet on to see how many insults using the c word he could dish out to people in 90 minutes! Other than that brilliant stuff!

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dannyrr added 18:40 - Aug 7 The ref was awful as usual. Giving the opposition free kicks every time they fell over. They knew it and played for it every time. Even when diving they still got the free kick. The PA system was awful - announcements were muffled and couldn't hear them and they didn't bring changes on the electronic board. Didn't even put goal scorers on the board.
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Eddie1985 added 18:41 - Aug 7 Saxon blue... I'm very much up to speed and understand some new player incomes are offset by outgoing players but it was Cook who wanted wholesale change on a gross scale so I have no time for moaning about players gelling and I hope and anticipate that he gets us promoted... That's how it works when your a big fish in a small pond, you have to deal with the expectation especially if you are unwilling or unable to work with or improve the players you had

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Help added 18:50 - Aug 7 Defence is a worry, No one put a tackle in for the first goal and Woolfy's mistake for the second. Other than that a bit to predictable in that Evans sprays the ball to KVY and Harper to Penney. Became a bit obvious and needs mixing up with triangles to break past teams like Morecambe. When we did do this down the right and left we got past them. otherwise the wing men got so far and stopped, never seemed to want to push on the final third. Always pulled up and past back. Chaplin seemed to be ignored for the first half, and we did better when we started using him in the second. Frasers goal was superb and we needed that. Route one for the second with the flick from Norwood and Bonne with probably his only touch of the game into the back of the net. The team will gel as some passes seemed a bit heavy and players not sure were their colleagues were at times. Defo need tightening up at the back. Will take the draw after going behind twice and look forward to an improvement during the season.

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Europablue added 18:50 - Aug 7 Eddie1985 You are right this result against Morecambe was not acceptable, I don't think anyone is really celebrating the point, more the fact that they got to go to Portman Road again and the players were at least trying to play some entertaining football, and did manage to in spurts. There was a deep-rooted rot in the club that was evident to have grown worse over the last few years. The overhaul was absolutely necessary and it will take time for the team to play well together as a unit, and we still need a couple or more players. I'm not happy with the result, but there are positive signs and we didn't lose.

10

Saxonblue74 added 19:00 - Aug 7 Patience people, it'll happen for our work in progress. Who'd be a football manager hey??!!
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Town4me added 19:10 - Aug 7 Eddie is a bit of a plum.
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BlueRuin69 added 19:10 - Aug 7 I actually loved that game......goals, but for a mistake we win that game. Evans was great, well done Bonne Coyb!
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 19:14 - Aug 7 Entertaining match. Slightly disappointing result given the hype, but we'll take it. Evans excellent, Harper good, very pleased for Bonne. In fact, some decent performances all round, but I think the Cook approach is a bit too frantic. We need to calm down, play with a bit more guile, and make sure passes stick . Hopefully, this will come as the players get to know each other better. At times began to wonder if Morcambe were a travelling theatre group, but fair play to them: they stood up well, although "stood up" might be the wrong choice of words. As vs Colchester, it seems to be the defence that needs strengthening. I assume this will happen in the next days/weeks. COYB!

2

Esseeja added 19:16 - Aug 7 Mid table performance, I certainly can't call that mouth-watering and I know I target Woolfenden a lot but after his mistake today I can't help but feel sorry for him because he used to be a really good player who was underused heavily, unfortunately I still think he shouldn't be in the squad at all, he's not good enough and that's just the fact. Referee should hang his head in shame tonight OR have the courage to tell us why he made the decisions he did today. Once this team gels well AND we finally have actual centre backs we should be glorious but today was just glimpses of what it could look like. The 2-2 result haunts me though, I remember how good we looked against Blackburn when we were pushing and pushing for the second goal and it came from pure luck and then went on to get relegated, I trust Cook though, a lot.

0

blueboy1981 added 19:20 - Aug 7 Much to be encouraged about, but much to be done as any sensible person would expect still. In all my years of involvement with this game at various levels, this was the worst performance I have seen from a Referee at any level of the game. If this Referee was being assessed, he should be held accountable for being incompetent and /or biased. Evidence there for all to see, which makes an absolute mockery of the game.

1

Skip73 added 19:21 - Aug 7 It was one of the overrated players left from last season that cost us 2 points today. Not Cooks new signings. The team needs a few games to get up to speed but once they do they will be a force. Of course theres always one or two posters like Eddie, best to ignore them, after all they'll go quiet when it all clicks and the team are winning games.
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Monkey_Blue added 19:28 - Aug 7 EuropaBlue…. To be honest an injury time equaliser always makes you celebrate like it's a winner….( recall Holland stabbing one in post 90mins at Loftus Road and left the ground feeling as good as if we'd won) In the cold light of day I wonder given morecambe have signed 15 players though and had three likely starters out injured whether the “gelling” argument always works? Slight difference of course in that Morecambe were stepping up a level and their manager wanted to increase depth and quality, but no easier to get them to “gel”. Most of my issues with cook are his strategy, treatment of players and almost Narcissistic Personality Disorder like providing of excuses. By excuses I mean offering up reasons that exclude HIM from criticism. This board has become like a Cook #MIGA rally, where critique isn't allowed of him and we must all trust the dear leader. I would point out I was never one for calling for Mick's head, thought he overachieved given budget, felt sorry for Jewell as he was clearly shot to pieces by his Derby experience and whilst never enthused by Lambert, felt the circumstances meant the criticism of him was always quite harsh and now looks hypocritical given apparently he was dealing with awful players who didn't want to play for the club but unlike Cook never got relegation form out of them.

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