Ipswich Town 2-0 Burnley

Ipswich defender Jonas Knudsen challenges Burnley midfielder George Boyd

Ipswich Town went top of the Championship as goals from Freddie Sears and David McGoldrick were enough to beat Burnley at Portman Road.

Sears celebrated signing a new contract by opening the scoring in the second half from Brett Pitman's low cross.

Strike partner McGoldrick doubled the advantage minutes later with a header from an Ainsley Maitland-Niles corner.

Michael Kightly struck a post early on for Burnley after his initial shot had rebounded off team-mate Jelle Vossen.

Sears netted his second goal in as many games as Mick McCarthy's side had to wait until midway through the second half before breaking the deadlock.

The 24-year-old had earlier tested Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton with a low shot across goal in the first half.

Kightly and Vossen combined for Burnley's best chances in the opening 45 minutes, first as Kightly hit the woodwork and again when Vossen's first-time shot was palmed away by Bartosz Bialkowski.

Michael Keane was denied a late consolation for the visitors when Bialkowski pushed away his unmarked header from Kightly's corner.

On-loan Ipswich winger Ryan Fraser was replaced by McGoldrick after only 28 minutes with an apparent knee injury.

Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy:

"I think we're incredibly strong going forward and it's nice to have that strength in depth. I'm delighted Freddie has signed a long contract.

"It's thoroughly deserved and reflects his status at the club.

"It was a good result and a good performance - I am happy with both. It was two very strong, powerful teams, playing good football and it was a case of who blinked first.

"Eighteen months ago, we shaded it against them but they won thanks to a great bit of quality from Scott Arfield. Tonight we showed that, especially with Freddie's goal."

Burnley manager Sean Dyche:

"When you lose a number of big players, it's hard to expect it not to have an effect. It's about limiting that effect and rebuilding.

"Tonight's match was a reminder of the different challenges in the Championship.

"Overall, I thought they deserved it but only after the first goal went in.

"Before that, we had some good chances and dealt with their threat well. There was not a lot in it, but the opening goal changed everything."