Paul right now after ‘warriors’ fight back
IPSWICH boss Paul Hurst hailed his 10-man “warriors” for their battling display to earn a point against the odds.
Jonathan Kodjia headed Villa in front in the 21st minute with his first goal of the season before teenager Trevoh Chalobah, on loan from Chelsea, levelled with his first ever senior goal 15 minutes later.
But when the Tractor Boys had Fulham loanee Tayo Edun dismissed for a second bookable offence just three minutes later it seemed Villa would take full advantage.
Steve Bruce’s men wasted the opportunity, though, and Ipswich might even have snatched all three points.
Along with the midweek defeat at Exeter in the Carabao Cup, ex-Shrewsbury boss Hurst is still seeking his first win since replacing Mick McCarthy in the summer.
But Hurst said: “My players stood up to be counted and were like warriors out there. We still carried a threat and gave Villa a game.
“The ovation that our fans gave us at the end of the game said it all. It almost feels as good as a win.”
Hurst claimed Edun should not have seen red and added: “I’m not even sure the second yellow was a foul.
“It’s ridiculous. We seem to be making the sport noncontact and I don’t think anyone wants that.”
Hurst blasted referee Tim Robinson who has issued red cards in each Championship game this season.
The former PE teacher still has a way to go to match last season’s start when he sent six players packing in his first eight games.
Hurst added: “I thought he had a bad game and I’ll have to put that in my report.”
Bruce, whose side remain unbeaten this season, said: “We’re frustrated because it was a great opportunity.
“But when you analyse it we were actually better against 11 men than 10.
“We found it difficult to break Ipswich down and they were always a threat with the crowd behind them.
“We still had enough chances to win it but I always thought it would be difficult here. There’s a different vibe about Portman Road now.”