Tayo Edun’s added time equaliser rescued Ipswich Town a point in the opening game of Paul Hurst’s reign at Portman Road.
The Fulham loanee, along with over 18,000 at Portman Road, watched as his cross flew over a helpless Rovers defence and nestled beyond ‘keeper David Raya.
Fellow debutant Gwion Edwards handed the Tractor Boys an early lead when he headed Freddie Sears’ cross home after just five minutes.
But the visitors fought back as Danny Graham capitalised on weak defending following a free-kick, while Bradley Dack put the Lancashire side ahead before the break.
The line-ups
The Blues were always going to face a difficult task with last season’s top-scorer Martyn Waghorn not being included due to his future at the Club being uncertain, although summer recruits Janoi Danocien, Trevoh Chalobah, Ellis Harrison and Gwion Edwards were all handed debuts.
Scoring a goal on your Championship debut is certainly one way to impress your new Club’s supporters, and that’s exactly how Town fans felt after seeing Edwards play at Portman Road.
Watch this and I personally guarantee you will be in love with @GwionEdwards already #itfc pic.twitter.com/jLeNzLZAH5
— Matt Roberto Leo 3.9 (@The_MS9) August 4, 2018
Easily MOTM today… if he keeps taking players on and putting in crosses he’ll be a fan favourite in no time #itfc https://t.co/Yi8B5YsULf
— Tom Larsen-Wright (@tomlarsenwright) August 4, 2018
gwion edwards. what a player. #itfc
— Luke Wickham (@LukeWickham4) August 4, 2018
Sounds like a good game from the boys today hoping to get to a home game soon! @GwionEdwards sounds like an absolute baller! Up the town!!! #itfc
— Adam levette (@adam_levette) August 4, 2018
Transfer targets
Having taken a point from the opening game, some Town followers began looking at where Paul Hurst will need to improve his Blues squad in the final week of the summer transfer window.
With Waghorn being excluded from the squad today, many Town supporters are beginning to accept that the 28-year-old is set to move on.
Shopping list next week:
2 Centre Backs (Tilt and Nsiala)
1 attacking midfielder (Nolan)
2 strikers (Bogle and Jackson)That assumes Waghorn and Garner have gone and Knudsen stays #itfc
Opportunity to look at PL loans after 9th too to add more depth if required
— Elder Grizzly (@ElderGrizzly) August 4, 2018
Ward, Huws, Bishop, Adeymi, Garner missing.
Reckon we need a senior CB and, obvs, Waggy’s replacement. Those two will need some 💰 spending.
Nuts and bolts of a good side there though.
##itfc— Andy 🇺🇦💙 (@andymehen) August 4, 2018
Expect to see Nolan and nsiala come in quickly (meaning spence cAn drop out and donacien can play right back
Then we need a really quality striker or prospect-imo bogle isn't that #itfc— Ed Banthorp (@BigEdBanthorp) August 4, 2018
Looking ahead
The Blues take on Rotherham next in the Sky Bet Championship, before a trip to Exeter City in the Caraboa Cup, and Town supporters are feeling hopeful in the lead-up.
Can't wait for Rotherham and Exeter next week, have missed away days! #itfc
— Rob Washford (@RobWashford) August 4, 2018
All in all tho, altho I'm sad to see waggy go, I'm only excited to see who we get in. Next Saturdays team should hopefully be a lot more finished article #itfc
— Ed Banthorp (@BigEdBanthorp) August 4, 2018