TRACTOR BOYS GIVE THE VILLA A FRIGHT

questioning their commitment – but he had no complaints on that score as his 10men gave Villa an almighty fright.

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.

“While I fully appreciate it’s not three points 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 non-contact – and I don’t think anyone wants that.

“I know I don’t and I don’t think the players or the fans do.” Hurst blasted ref Tim Robinson, who has now issued red cards in each of his Championship games this season.

The ex-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.

“They have a new manager, several new players and there’s a different vibe about the place.”

Kodjia met John McGinn’s pinpoint cross from the right to head Villa in front.

But an error by keeper Orjan Nyland, who failed to collect Jonas Knudsen’s long throw, allowed Chalobah to level with a low, 12-yard drive.

Jack Grealish wasted a chance to regain the lead for Villa soon after the restart when he failed to get a shot in.

Ellis Harrison headed into the sidenetting for Ipswich and keeper Bartosz Bialkowski made a stunning stoppage-time save to deny sub Conor Hourihane.