A controversial George Hirst penalty in the 95th minute denied Birmingham City a victory over Ipswich Town on the opening night of the Championship season.

Hirst converted in stoppage time after Blues substitute Lyndon Dykes was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the penalty area.

Jay Stansfield had earlier given Blues the lead in front of a raucous St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park but the hosts were denied three points by the promotion favourites.

Chris Davies’ decision to start Kyogo Furuhashi instead of Tommy Doyle came as a surprise and the Japanese striker left Ipswich shell-shocked in the seventh minute with a wonderful lob from 20 yards.

St Andrew’s celebrated but referee Andrew Kitchen pulled play back for a foul by Kyogo on Jacob Greaves. Given the difference in stature

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