Blackburn Rovers takeaways after late Wrexham equaliser

Rovers had led for most of the game – which was their first competitive fixture at the Racecourse Ground in over 40 years - after Andri Gusjohnsen’s header inside the opening 15 minutes.

But the hosts cranked up the pressure as the second half progressed and eventually found a breakthrough in stoppage time when Max Cleworth got the final touch from close range.

Here are The Lancashire Telegraph’s main takeaways from what turned out to be an unusual afternoon at Ewood Park.

Attacking threat

There have been promising signs from Yuki Ohashi and Gudjohnsen’s strike partnership in recent weeks and the pair caused Wrexham plenty of problems.

Gudjohnsen demonstrated his ability to hold-up play and help Rovers advance up the pitch, allowing Ohashi to ask questions with his movement and energy.

Andri Gudjohnsen celebrates (Image: CameraSport - Blackburn Rovers takeaways after)

Gudjohnsen took his goal well. The Iceland international peeled away from his defender with a clever run but there was still plenty to do as Ryan Alebiosu’s cross seemed to drop in slow motion.

Some players might have panicked in that situation but he was ice-cold, looping a clever finish back over the goalkeeper and into the net.

Gudjohnsen now has five goals in his last seven games at club level as he continues to adapt to the demands of Championship football.

He could have had another in the second half - and probably should have hit the target - but the rate at which he is getting in the right positions and finding chances certainly bodes well for the coming weeks and months.

Ohashi was also a threat at the Racecourse Ground and one of the main positives was his link-up play with Ryoya Morishita.

The Japanese internationals already had a bond off the pitch, but now things seem to be gelling on it as Morishita adjusts to his new midfield role.

The fluidity of the frontline was exciting to watch during the first half and at times the Wrexham defenders didn’t have answers.

Late frustration

Most supporters probably would have taken a point before kick-off, especially against a side who were unbeaten in seven and had won four home games on the spin.

Max Cleworth grabs a late equaliser (Image: CameraSport - Blackburn Rovers takeaways after)

But being so close to a fourth successive victory on the road, only for it to be ripped away in controversial fashion, leaves a bitter taste.

Ryan Hedges was extremely unfortunate to concede a free kick and Ismael made his thoughts clear on the decision after the final whistle.

Rovers had dealt with the physical threat of Kieffer Moore rather well throughout the contest, but the towering forward finally had his say with a clever knock-down for Nathan Broadhead, whose strike glanced off Cleworth on the way in.

When the dust settles, there will be plenty of positives for Ismael and Co. to build on from the overall performance.

Injury situation

Rovers players after the late equaliser (Image: CameraSport - Blackburn Rovers takeaways after)

The main surprise when the line-up was announced was the absence of Kristi Montgomery, who had started back-to-back games and was hungry to kick on and nail down the shirt.

However, the youngster picked up an ankle injury against QPR and is now set to sit out the next five weeks.

It is another blow for Rovers, who are already without Sondre Tronstad in the midfield department.

Sidnei Tavares also missed out through illness, meaning places on the bench for Tom Atcheson and Matty Litherland.

The fixture came too soon for Todd Cantwell despite the skipper making positive progress in training after nearly two months out with a knee problem.

Ismael was frustrated in his post-match press conference as the head coach discussed the injury situation heading into one of the busiest periods of the campaign.

Taylor Gardner-Hickman battles for possession (Image: CameraSport - Blackburn Rovers takeaways after)

There is no let-up next week, with the postponed Ipswich Town fixture finally coming to a resolution before another home game against Sheffield Wednesday.

But with injuries come opportunities for other members of the squad, and Adam Forshaw made the most of his with a classy display in the middle of the pitch.

Forshaw had to be patient for his first start of the campaign after a frustrating spell of his own on the sidelines.

The 34-year-old had a promising cameo off the bench against QPR and proved how beneficial his experience can be against Wrexham.

Aynsley Pears is another player looking to make the most of his run in the side while Balazs Toth is out of action.

The late goal was cruel on the goalkeeper, who had been a spectator for large spells of the match but kept his concentration to make a good reaction save from close range when called upon.

Also, a word for George Pratt, who now has three senior appearances under his belt in the Championship and made an impressive clearance off the line at one stage.

Jekyll and Hyde

It was another display on the road that, particularly in the first half, highlighted Rovers at their efficient best.

Ismael’s side have now picked up 16 points from nine games away from home – a total that only runaway leaders Coventry City can better at this stage.

In contrast, Rovers have taken four points from their opening eight matches at Ewood Park. Norwich City have the same total following their win against QPR, and only Sheffield Wednesday have fewer.

The challenge now is finding a way to break down defences at Ewood Park when sides often sit in and look to frustrate, rather than getting on the front foot and leaving gaps to exploit on the break.

Ismael has spoken about needing to take the “next step” with results at home, and the upcoming week is as good a time as ever.