Aston Villa 1 Hull 1: John Terry’s Championship debut ends in frustration as Villa cling on for point despite Gabby Agbonlahor’s opener
Tigers youngster Jarrod Bowen showed great technique to fire home his first senior goal to equalise for the visitors
GABBY AGBONLAHOR handed Aston Villa the lead after just seven minutes but Jarrod Bowen's second-half strike earned Hull a deserved point.
With John Terry as captain, Villa were quick out of the starting blocks at Villa Park but Steve Bruce's side faded as the match wore on.
Steve Bruce's side got off to the perfect start on the opening day of the season after Agbonlahor finished off a well-worked team move.
Alan Hutton burst down the right flank before Scott Hogan allowed the defender's low cross to pass through his legs for Agbonlahor to tuck it away at the back post.
The experienced striker made a touching tribute for Carl Ikeme, who has been diagnosed with leukaemia.
The goalscorer held up a T-shirt with the message "Get Well Soon Carl Ikeme" printed on the top with a picture of the Wolves 'keeper.
Hogan had a chance to double Villa's lead but Alan McGregor was equal to it and in the final stages of the first half Hull grew in confidence at Villa Park.
Leonid Slutsky's side nearly equalised through a snapshot from Abel Hernandez but his effort went wide as a rooted Sam Johnstone watched on, before he denied Fraizer Campbell moments later.
Hull did not lose their moment after the interval and were still pressing for an equaliser and they finally found a breakthrough on the hour mark through Bowen.
Kamil Grosicki dropped a delicate cross to the feet of Bowen who remained composed to volley home for his first senior goal.
Villa had a golden opportunity to regain their lead through substitute Andre Green after he headed Neil Taylor's cross from three yards out over the bar.
In the dying minutes, Steve Bruce chucked on Christopher Samba from the bench to be an aeriel threat but they could not carve out a chance for a last-gasp winner.