Southend United dropped a two-goal lead against Huddersfield Town to take home just a point from the League One season opener.
Goals from Lee Barnard and Franck Moussa had put the Blues into the ascendancy at Roots Hall, but Huddersfield were still able to mount a late comeback and held on despite finishing the match with 10 men.
A cross-cum-shot from Anthony Pilkington struck the outside of the left-hand post within the opening two minutes, but alongside a series of long range efforts, the opening exchanges were a quiet affair.
It wasn't until the 14th minute when the crowd were off their feet, as Anthony Grant looked to bypass Robbie Williams inside the box and was pulled down in the process.
After a quick delay, the referee pointed to the spot and Barnard stepped up to send goalkeeper Alex Smithies the wrong way.
Unfortunately, the next incident involved Francis Laurent having to be stretchered off from the field of play, as he went down clutching his leg after a horrible tackle from Andy Butler.
Somehow the Huddersfield defender escaped even a booking, as James Walker entered the field of play in his place inside the opening 20 minutes.
At the other end, Robbie Simpson should have done better for the visitors when blazing over Pilkington's square pass inside the box.
But Southend made sure to have the last word of the first half, with Moussa rifling a 20 yard strike that Smithies got down low to push to safety.
Alan McCormack drilled a fierce strike straight into the gloves of Smithies after the break and the Irishman was then involved in helping Southend increase their lead in the 56th minute.
Moussa collected a pass from McCormack down the left flank and charged forward before arrowing a low shot underneath the legs of Smithies.
The pressure continued during an impressive spell from the Blues, with Simon Francis aiming a strike that flew through a crowd of bodies inside the box, only for Smithies to make the save at his near post.
Unfortunately, the warning signs soon became apparent, as Huddersfield started to become more involved in the third field.
Francis was needed to clear a Lee Novak shot off the line, before they reduced the deficit in the 70th minute when Pilkington volleyed home at the far post.
There was now a fast paced nature to the game and almost immediately McCormack headed Walker's cross on to the crossbar before play switched straight to the other end.
Steve Mildenhall parried a Novak strike out of danger, but the Terriers drew level 10 minutes from time when Jordan Rhodes headed home from just six yards out.
There was more drama when Michael Collins was sent off for an off the ball incident involving a push on Francis in the closing stages, but Southend couldn't make the numerical advantage count in their favour and had to settle for a draw.
Southend: Mildenhall, Francis, Heath, Barrett, White, Grant, Christophe (Betsy 87), McCormack, Moussa, Laurent (Walker 20), Barnard (Freedman 84).
Huddersfield: Smithies, Peltier, Collins, P Clarke, Roberts (T Clarke 84), Kay, Robinson (Novak 59), Simpson (Rhodes 56), Williams, Butler, Pilkington.
