Town striker George Hirst admitted he had a point to prove after scoring in a seven-goal thriller with former club Blackburn Rovers to continue the Blues’ excellent start to the Championship season.

Hirst slotted home his side’s third goal of the afternoon as Town edged past the Lancastrians for their fourth straight win in yet another high-scoring affair at Portman Road.

The 24-year-old has now beaten two of his former sides in a week after last Saturday’s victory at Sheffield Wednesday, and the frontman was pleased to round off a perfect seven days for the Blues.

“It’s been a good week for me personally,” he said. “Nine points from nine is not easy to do in any division, never mind the Championship where anybody can beat anybody.

“We’ve beaten two of my former clubs but, whether they were or not, all that matters is we win the games.

“If we can go and beat every team in this division, they’re not all going to be my former clubs, but it probably does make it a little bit sweeter.

“I just look at my time [at Blackburn] as a lesson learned. There was times when I didn’t play because I wasn’t good enough and there were times where I felt like I was good enough and should have played. I don’t hold any bad blood towards it.

“It was a point to prove, don’t get me wrong, to go out there and play against a team you didn’t play much at for whatever reason, it’s always nice to get the chance to put it right. I thought I did that today and that’s a nice feeling.”

Since joining Town in January, initially on loan before being made permanent in the summer, Hirst, who pointedly celebrated his goal in front of his old fans, has not been short of confidence, perhaps a contrast to his spell on loan at Rovers a year ago where he made 11 appearances - although only three of those starts - without scoring.

Hirst said: “I feel confident going into every game that I can get on the scoresheet. We do our work throughout the week and look at every opponent we’re playing. For me, I look at the centre-halves and the goalkeeper and see what I’m coming up against.

“It probably does make it a little bit easier having trained and played with these boys. But they probably know my strengths as well so it that sense it makes it a little bit harder as they know what I’m about, so it’s a big game of cat and mouse really. It’s just about knowing your opponent and going and doing your job on the day.”

Hirst’s second goal of the season was slotted through the legs of visiting keeper Aynsley Pears, but arguably the most pleasing aspect was the perfection on the through ball from centre-half Cameron Burgess.

The former Leicester City man agreed, praising the quality of pass from the recently capped Australia international.

“Sometimes with those you don’t think too much about it, just get your toe on it, poke it towards the goal and see what happens,” he said.

“It’s all about the ball from Burg, to be fair. I’ve made the run and he’s put it on a plate for me. When you’ve got that kind of service, it’s my job to put it in the back of the net and today was a day where I went and done that.

“It’s nice to score no matter who you score against. As long as I can keep scoring, I’m not really fussed who it comes against.”

It was another Aussie who provided the winner, Massimo Luongo, the midfielder netting a 79th-minute goal with a neat chest and volley which proved enough to ensure that another three points were staying in Suffolk.

Hirst said: “Mass doesn’t score too many but when he does, they tend to be quite good goals. As long as he keeps bringing them up at the right time and we keep winning games then ultimately that’s what matters.

“We score a lot of goals at home and we back ourselves to outscore any team. We don’t want to be conceding three goals at home every week but when we do if we can go and score four then we’ll do that.

“We know we’ve got goals in the team all the way through, whether that’s set pieces with Woolfy [Luke Woolfenden], Burg, Clarkey [Harry Clarke] today hitting a hell of a strike when it drops down to him. If we can keep it out of our own goal, I’d like to think we’ll win more than we lose.”

Clarke’s strike was the opener and was the right-back’s first goal for his boyhood club. Despite being pegged back, Nathan Broadhead scored his fourth of the season and Hirst netted to ensure the Blues’ took a healthy lead into half-time.

Reflecting on the first half, Hirst said: “We stuck to our game plan. I’ve said previously we’re going to have setbacks in the season but we’re ready for them whenever they may come and we don’t expect it to be perfect.

“We score and then they score pretty soon after, it just shows the mental resilience we’ve got in the squad. We’ve had a little bit of a setback, but we’ll stick to our plan and what we’re doing and we’ll be alright. I think that showed.”

Despite the healthy scoreline, Rovers rallied and were level in the second half thanks to a Clarke own goal and Sammie Szmodics’s equaliser, something Hirst believes Town need to work on having become somewhat of the league’s entertainers with 19 goals - 10 for and nine against - in the last three home matches.

“I wouldn’t say it was a surprise as we knew they were going to come out,” he said. “We knew that they can create chances out of nothing and they did that by hitting us with two quick-fire goals. It’s something that we’ll look back on in the week and think could we have done better – probably.

“But that was the hand we were dealt and we dealt with it really well, we showed our reaction and then Mass scores an amazing goal to put us 4-3 up and from then we were solid.

He added: “It was an interesting one. It was one that I think we deserved to come out on the right side of the result. We knew it was going to be that kind of game with the way that they play, I tried to give as much knowledge as possible knowing them a little bit better than the other boys.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game and they’d come at us with everything they’ve got. They did that but we deserved to be on the right side of it.”

Asked if the two recent away trips may have made an impact, Hirst said: “I personally don’t think so. Those games are done and I don’t think you can use them as excuses. If we had not conceded them two [in the second half] today, we’d have still had that journey in our legs and no-one would mention it.

“We made mistakes that led to the goals, which is something we’ll take ownership and responsibility for regardless of how far we’ve been travelling over the past week. It’s something we need to be better at and we can work on that as a team.

“We’ll take responsibility for ourselves and as long as we do that and not start making excuses for things that don’t go our way, then that puts us in a strong position.”

The Blues have taken to Championship life like a duck to water. Seven wins from the opening eight matches have left them sitting second in the table behind Leicester on goal difference.

But the flying start has not led to Kieran McKenna and the squad getting carried away, with Hirst emphasising the importance of taking each game as it comes and reflecting on his own start to the season with relative positivity.

He said: “I think people would expect there to be a bigger buzz. For us, it’s job done today but we’ve got another game on Tuesday then Saturday. We’ll enjoy the win, but everyone will go home and do the best recovery they can tonight and wake up tomorrow morning and go again.

“There’s no time to rest on our laurels or get ahead of ourselves, we’ve got to keep our feet on the ground and keep putting the work in.

“I’d like to be on a few more goals, probably two, three, even four more goals than I’m currently on. I had a couple of injuries that kept me out for three weeks, I tried it in the Cardiff game and it didn’t quite go to plan.

“I’m still trying to get to my top level of fitness but it won’t be too long before I’m there. And once I get there, I feel it’s only a matter of time before the goals start going in.

“I’m probably owed a couple, I think there’s a couple of penalties that I feel I should have had. That tends to be the case when I’m the one that’s going to be taking them, if it’s someone else I’m sure they’d have been given. I’m just trying to keep working hard day in day out and if we keep winning games then ultimately whether I score or not is not the main thing.”

With Town in the middle of a period of seven games in 21 days, keeping the squad fresh is going to be critical between now and the October international break.

That may mean rotation, not least up front with Freddie Ladapo and Dane Scarlett awaiting the chance, but Hirst knows that competition for places is strong and will only stand the team in good stead going forwards.

“We’ve got competition all over the pitch in every position and it keeps the boys hungry,” he said. “No-one can get complacent as there’s always someone breathing down your neck trying to take your shirt off you.

“It’s healthy for any team and we’ve got it good with this squad that everybody knows that anybody could play on any given day, so everyone’s got to be ready.

“I think we’re showing that when the subs come on and everyone knows their roles – you’ve got Omari [Hutchinson] slide-tackling people on the halfway line in the last minute. Everyone’s hungry and wants to be in the team, which is good for everybody.”

Hirst also provided a fitness update after he struggled with an adductor injury earlier in the month.

The former England U17, U18, U19 and U20 international said: “It’s gone and I feel good, touch wood. I’m just getting back to my top level of fitness, hoping to get stronger, play longer every week, have more impact and run harder for longer.

“That’s all a massive part of my game and I need that as I’m not the kind of player that can play at any less than 100 per cent. When I’m not 100 per cent it probably shows and I feel it as well, so I’m happy that’s hopefully behind me and I can kick on now.”

The Sheffield-born striker appears well settled at Portman Road and was asked whether he could pinpoint the moment he knew he wanted to return during his period on loan last season.

He said: “It’s hard to put a point on it as this is the time, it just clicked and worked. After the first week with the boys I felt comfortable and at home. It was a place where, as soon as I came, I was happy I made that decision and I feel like I’ve borne the fruits of it ever since.”

Photo: TWTD

pennblue added 09:44 - Sep 24 Well taken goal yesterday George and we are all delighted you scored against your old club as we know you did not have the best of times there. Keep working hard and I have no doubt you will end up in the Premier League, hopefully with us next season! Had great reviews on you from a Pompey friend in the media down there this week, so you are obviously conducting yourself very well off the pitch as well, grounded and humble.

6

MK1 added 10:04 - Sep 24 No point to prove. You bring so much more to the side than just goals. Sides are scared of you and this creates space and opportunity for others. You have been a fantastic signing and long may your career be here with us. Keep up the great work.
11

Linkboy13 added 10:07 - Sep 24 Yes Hirsty has been impressive and is getting stronger and better but needs to convert more of his chances.
-7

Karlosfandangal added 11:03 - Sep 24 At the time I could not see why KMK wanted Hurst last season and felt we had dodged a bullet when he went to Blackburn. Can see why KMK signed him now. He is getting better each game and can see him as a Prem player in the future……..hopefully with Town
2

Bazza8564 added 11:27 - Sep 24 Young. Hungry. Athletic. Technically Good. KM does the rest and turns them into pieces on the Ipswich jigsaw. We all saw Hirsty at first in Jan - Feb and thought what is all the hype about. Same with Broady, it will be the same with Dane, it's happened a little with Brandon. But when they get embedded, Ipswich fit and find their stride, and we find our faith in them, it all happens. And of cause Axel too... We cannot underestimate the importance of this formula, sticking with it, trust in Kieran's eye and Mark's ability to get them through the door. Young players are the future, and the next year or two will show this formula repeated and a very very good football squad assembled. People talk about the Burley era like it was a glorious period like the Robson years, sorry I don't buy that, but I absolutely get this project, we can all see it developing before our very eyes, players like George that haven't set the world alight get a great coach and boom, off we go. Phil might have to rename this "These are the days" again And long may it continue!

5

cressi added 11:34 - Sep 24 Hirst when 100% fit is a real handful when getting up to speed through a lack of games his not quite as effective takes him 3 or 4 games to get up to his best as when he came on loan he had not played in ages like a certain Chris Wood all those years ago. I think we have a bargain for 1.5 million with what Coventry payed for Simms obviously the money they received burnt a hole in their pocket.

3

norfsufblue added 12:56 - Sep 24 Works really hard and doesn't get many if the free kicks he should be awarded.... when he got booked yesterday I don't know what he was supposed to have done wrong?..
4

HarleydavidsonBlue added 14:40 - Sep 24 B8564, so you don't think the period under Burley and SBR were not glorious years ? FA Cup, UEFA Cup !! Strange comment. I think you need to read up on the history of ITFC.
4

IpswichT62OldBoy added 16:04 - Sep 24 Harley , I think Bazza was saying he doesn't believe the Burley years were quite at the level of glorious , unlike under SBR.
2

churchmans added 16:48 - Sep 24 The burley years was outstanding! Apart from the last season!! KM years with this ownership and players like hirst promises to be just as good! I'm starring to dream that we can get back to where we should be and play in Europe again! George hirst is an outstanding striker! Going to get better and better
3

Bert added 17:36 - Sep 24 Hurst is not the easiest on the eye in the way he runs but he is a master at holding the ball in tight circumstances and running at goal. A proper centre forward. Stroud got it wrong when he booked Hirst. What is he to do when he’s being held, tugged and manhandled by his minded ?
2

terryf added 19:25 - Sep 24 Don't fully understand Bazza's comments regarding Burley's years in the hot seat. We came close several times in the playoffs and finally triumphed at Wembley. Our first year back in the top flight was amazing with some wonderful results, particularly on the road and Marcus Stewart's link up play and goals were a joy to behold. Unfortunately our undoing was the second year bringing in the likes of Finidi George and Matteo Serini which seemed to upset the balance of the Team.

4

DocMartyn added 21:07 - Sep 24 @terryf, spot on - with hindsight, qualifying for Europe was the kiss of death, as it really stretched the squad, and we brought in the so-called "big name" players on relatively massive salaries, which (as you say) upset the balance of the team, but also probably changed the dressing room dynamic that got us there in the first place....
2

hyperbrit added 02:43 - Sep 25 dreaming of Europe when Town should have been concentrating on staying up was the "kiss of death",and the fair play scenario .made it worse still
0

Len_Brennan added 07:55 - Sep 25 Just getting bavk to Hirst here, I really like him. I think Cressi has it right above & I get the comparison to Chris Wood, who had just got up to speed for us when the season ended in a most unfortunate way. We could & should have signed him then & there for around £2m. George Hirst is not a prolific striker, but he is a decent finisher with a few games under his belt & has got sharpness back; I would trust him to score in a one on one with the keeper 9 times out of ten. But the main thing about Hirst is that he is a proper centre forward, who has strength, height, vision, touch & intelligence. He is a focal point for the team, where he can win possession, hold the ball, find a pass, lay it out neatly, take a quick one-two, or dummy/step over it, depending on the circumstances. When you have quick, clever, skillful players around, who are also good finishers, like Broadhead, Chaplin, Burns, & now Hutchinson, the value in having a centre forward like Hirst up there is massive. We are a far bigger threat, in terms of the whole front 4, with Hirst up front than we are with Freddie, whose game is different. Plus he works his socks off & gives the opposing defenders a torrid time with his movement & general nuisance making. By the time he goes off, he has the opposing defence tired & softened up for Ladapo, Jackson or Scarlett to come on & hurt them with their pace & skillset.

0

Chickenstochurchmans added 14:23 - Sep 25 Bazza – I often wonder who ruffled your feathers to make you so negative about previous regimes at Portman Road. You talk so much sense about players, tactics, etc. and yet make so many questionable statements about the club from the past. To quote: ‘I remember as a young man meeting Robson and some of the 70’s players, they didn’t have a minute for you’. Now I admit that my first game was in the year that you were born so I have age advantage over you but believe me, you would bump into players on any night in town in those days only too pleased to be bought a drink. Admittedly as a young teenager then it would not be you putting your hand in your pocket! Another quote: ‘How can anyone think we didn’t have owners in the Burley era’. The Board in those days was composed of minority shareholders. To believe that Town had ‘owners’ is a fundamental misunderstanding of the composition of ITFC at that time. The Cobbold family did not own the club. I’m very pleased for the current generation who for 20 years have had to put up with us old so and so’s telling them how it was before (although presumably not you!). Their enthusiasm reflects that of my youth. The employment of Ashton was an excellent move, coming at the perfect time, I feel, in his career development. And then offering McKenna the Manager’s job was a stroke of genius, a real ‘Ipswich way’ move, so similar to Ramsey’s appointment and so far, with the same result! Now he’s just got to win the Premier League by 2028 with Ipswich! It's difficult not to get swept up in the enthusiasm at Portman Road these days as so many things are now being done the right way. But let’s not denigrate the past which was every bit as exciting to previous generations as the current one is to today’s youngsters.

0

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls