Scott Arfield headed Kieran Trippier's cross into the far corner in the 80th minute to keep Burnley top of the Championship, with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Ipswich, the Clarets' ninth in 10 matches.

The final score was harsh on Ipswich, who shaded the chances and more than matched the league leaders.

The Ipswich goalkeeper, Dean Gerken, saved comfortably from Arfield's weak effort before Dean Marney dissected the home defence to release Trippier, but his dangerous low cross was missed by everybody. Gerken, however, would contribute no further, as he was forced off in the 39th minute and replaced by Scott Loach.

The game finally burst into life in the final two minutes of the half. Heaton flapped at a Luke Hyam cross, but Cole Skuse was denied a first goal for Ipswich when his half-volley was cleared off the line by Trippier. Then, in injury time, Skuse rifled a 25-yard shot just wide.

Continuing where they left off, Ipswich began the second half on the front foot. Aaron Cresswell floated in a delicate inswinging free-kick, but Christophe Berra could not get enough on his header to threaten Heaton.

It was hearts-in-mouths time for the hosts, however, when Sam Vokes broke clear and then tumbled over, with Luke Chambers in close proximity, but the referee rightly adjudged that the striker had tripped over his own feet.

On 57 minutes, Ipswich had an even better shout for a penalty when Cresswell, beautifully played in by McGoldrick's back heel, saw his goalbound shot deflected by Shackell, but the protests from the home players were waved away.

The second half was a much better spectacle than the first, and Michael Kightly tested Loach from 20 yards before McGoldrick's shot at the other end had power but no accuracy.

But, with the game edging towards a stalemate, Burnley took the lead with 10 minutes to go. David Jones fed Trippier on the right-hand side and his low cross was headed in by Arfield.

The Press Association