Ipswich Town striker George Hirst on FA Cup goal against Burnley

The Blues exited the FA Cup with their heads held high last night, after Nathan Tella’s stoppage-time winner secured the Clarets a 2-1 victory in the two sides’ fourth-round replay. 

But Town more than matched the Championship leaders during their 180-minute battle, with Hirst seeing plenty to be positive about now Ipswich have only promotion from League One on their agenda. 

“We were saying as a team after the game that to get so close but not get the job done is never nice, no matter who you play against,” he said.

George Hirst and Kayden Jackson celebrate Town's goal at Burnley (Image: Pagepix)  

“But to come up against probably the best team outside the Premier League and put on a performance like that is something to be very proud of. 

“It’s credit to the boys and something we can take into the rest of the season. It was an even game which could have gone either way.  

“If we commit to that being the base level for us, with the commitment and the running, then there’s no limit on what we can achieve this season.” 

Hirst opened his Ipswich account in the third minute at Turf Moor, turning home a Kayden Jackson cross to quickly level matters, after Tella had given Burnley the lead inside the opening 60 seconds. 

“I can’t really remember much about it to be honest but it’s obviously really nice to get your first goal,” Hirst said. 

“Hopefully it’s the start of a few goals for me now. 

“Jacko does what he does and gets in behind people with his pace, which is frightening at times and hard to keep up with. 

“But for me it was about trying to get on the end of it and luckily enough I did. When Sone (Aluko) gets it in good areas I’m on my bike, so as soon as the ball is played I’m thinking about one thing – getting in between the frame of the goal. 

“Jacko put it on a plate for me and I’m delighted to get the first goal.” 

Hirst’s display at Turf Moor was about far more than his goal, though, as he worked tirelessly throughout and acted as Town’s focal point, both with and without the ball. 

George Hirst scored his first Ipswich Town goal at Burnley (Image: Pagepix Ltd)

“As the striker in the side I was the one trying to lead the press out,” he said. 

“It’s always nice when I’m going because I don’t need to check my shoulders to see if anyone’s going with me. I know the team are coming with me. 

“So I want to set a standard and a pace up top. The harder I go the easier it makes things for everyone else. 

“It was one of those games where our back four and midfield were going to be under a lot of pressure, playing against a team who play really good football. So for me, when it comes to me, it’s my job to try and get hold of it and give my team-mates a breather at times. 

“If I can do something, brilliant, but I’m an outlet for a team and I need to be helping out. It’s as an important part of my game as any, even the goals.”