Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Cardiff City

Cardiff striker Kenwyne Jones headed the first goal of the 2014-15 Football League season.

Cardiff City started their return to the Championship with a point as the Football League season opened with a draw at Blackburn Rovers.

Kenwyne Jones headed Cardiff ahead in the first half at the far post, having had a close-range header saved earlier.

The hosts were level before the break as Tom Cairney sent a 25-yard strike into the corner.

Neither side could threaten in a scrappy second half as the sides shared the points.

Blackburn ended last season unbeaten in 12 league matches and, despite being unable to add significantly to the squad in the summer due to lack of financial clout, were looking to build on that momentum.

They thought they should have had a penalty in the opening minutes when former Bluebird Rudy Gestede headed against Mark Hudson's hand but a free-kick was awarded, which Cairney wasted.

Television replays suggested that the offence took place inside the area.

Cardiff, relegated from the Premier League in May, managed just three wins in 17 league matches under boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last season.

But, despite having just two available centre-backs to choose from, they looked a threat from set plays, taking the lead when Jones was left unmarked to head through Paul Robinson's hands after Hudson flicked on Peter Whittingham's free-kick.

The lead lasted until six minutes before half-time when Blackburn, looking short of ideas, capitalised on Whittingham's slip and Cairney fired expertly home from 25 yards.

Gestede headed Craig Conway's cross just wide as Blackburn started to look the more dangerous at the start of the second period.

Gary Bowyer's men dominated the possession but rarely managed to create any meaningful opportunities, while Cardiff looked increasingly content with the point.

Solskjaer still hopes to add to his squad before the end of the transfer window and both sides will aim to be in the promotion picture after another 45 games.

Blackburn Rovers manager Gary Bowyer:

"I thought we deserved a bit more. We had a lot the ball against a team who have just come down from the Premier League. We should have had a penalty in the first minute. We scored an outstanding goal. Cardiff changed their shape, a compliment to us, and we can take a lot of confidence.

"For all of their possession, perhaps the disappointment is we didn't create many chances but they brought a million pound player on. What does that say?

"Everyone is spending money in the Championship and we haven't been able to do that due to financial fair play. Beg, borrow or steal, we will see if we can add a couple. I will have a conversation with the people above me, but I understand we do have to comply with financial fair play."

Cardiff City manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer:

"We defended our goal well, I was pleased with the performance and the attitude of the lads, particularly defensively.

"We have come away against a good team and dug out a good result. Kenwyne Jones worked really hard and is getting his fitness together.

"In the second half we didn't play well with the ball but we sorted out the problems that Tom Cairney, especially, caused us in the first half.

"This is going to be a relentless season. I need a centre back in. We have loads of experience in this league and we had to have this here. Very happy with a point against one of the favourites."

Kenwyne Jones's goal ended a personal drought of 551 minutes for Cardiff

Blackburn have not won their opening-day game of a season since 2010

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to guide Cardiff back to the Premier League at the first attempt