Determined Clarets march on

Last updated : 20 October 2013 By Pete Waters

It was rarely pretty and chances were at a premium but the match was won with a moment of real quality from Scott Arfield.

With just 10 minutes left on the clock and with the game seemingly heading for a bore draw, Arfield stooped low to guide in a whipped cross from Kieran Trippier and Burnley never looked in danger of relinquishing that lead.

Ipswich started the brighter and nearly found a way through when Murphy touched the ball for McGoldrick who forced a good block from Jason Shackell.

Man of the match Jason Shackell

The home side dominated possession in the early stages but were unable to fashion any real opportunities against a resolute defence.

Meanwhile, Kightly - starting on the left hand side - was proving Burnley's best outlet but was unable to deliver the final ball on a number of occasions.

Arfield was the first to work Dean Gerken as he stepped inside his marker, only to meekly shoot from 18 yards.

As the half wore on, The Clarets became increasingly confident and Marney released an onrushing Trippier who saw his drilled cross just evade Vokes and Ings.

However, we still hadn't seriously tested an Ipswich backline that were physically solid and dealing relatively comfortably with Ings and Vokes. And it was no surprise that Ipswich came closest to breaking the deadlock from a set piece.

After failing to clear a corner the ball was looped back in to a crowded six yard box. Heaton was only able to punch under pressure and Skuse lashed a shot goalward only to see Trippier block on the line. 

With that, Burnley will have been relieved to hear the half time whistle with Ipswich gathering momentum.

The second half began brightly for both sides, with first Murphy escaping Shackell's attentions only to delay a shot allowing the defender to recover. Moments later, Vokes broke clear on the left side but cut back on to his right and the chance passed with Chambers scrambling the ball clear.

McGoldrick then went close with a stylish volley and Anderson dragged a shot wide when he perhaps should have done better.

Ipswich were not causing any major headaches though and Burnley went close when Kightly collected a super pass from Jones only to see his deflected shot saved comfortably.

As the clock ticked down, both sides seemed content with a point, only for Arfield to provide the clinical finish in a nip and tuck game.

Ipswich weren't galvanised by the goal and provided little threat in the closing minutes. The closest they came was courtesy of a Jay Tabb break into the box, only for a superb tackle from Shackell as he was about to pull the ball back.

Injury time was seen out with little concern and we had another 3 points.

We've played far better this season but, no mistake, today was an excellent win against what was a well drilled but, perhaps, limited Ipswich side.

QPR will provide a huge test next week but I have no doubt that Dyche will have the troops ready for the challenge.

MOM: Jason Shackell. A strong and composed performance.