Nathan Tella believes Burnley has what it takes to go far in the FA Cup after his inspiring performance in the Clarets 2-1 fourth round replay victory over Ipswich Town at Turf Moor on Tuesday night.
The 23-year-old Anglo-Nigerian scored in the first minute of the game only for George Hirst to equalise for the visitors moments later.
It remained that way for much of the game and looked like it was heading for extra time until the fourth minute of added time when Tella popped up with the winner to send Turf Moor into raptures.
Tella – who is on loan from Premier League outfit Southampton – gave credit to his Burnley teammates for their never-say-die character.
“We’ve always said we’ve got the character to get the goals to get back into the game and even when they scored and we were a little bit under the cosh we still didn’t give up, we still knew what we had to do. We stuck to our game plan and ultimately we were able to win the game,” Tella said on the club website.
“It’s credit to the team. Anyone could have come on and been the one to score the winner. Thankfully I’ve got that relationship with Barnsey where I knew he was going to get the flick on and it was just me anticipating the chance. Not looking up. Just having an instinct where the goal was and luckily putting it in the back of the net.
“It’s another opportunity for us to play in front of our fans and go on a bit of a cup run! There’s no reason why we can’t go on and progress into the latter rounds in the competition, keep going and doing well – as well as focussing on the league.”
next round ✅ thank you for the support 💜 pic.twitter.com/zi82J1HExM
— tella (@NathanTella_11) February 7, 2023
Burnley manager, Vincent Kompany, reacting to Tella’s performance said: “He has shown us over the course of the season of what he is capable of and he has shown that again tonight.
“We’re pleased for him he has worked hard and he’s got two good goals tonight, so overall a nice night for us and for Nathan.”
Tella has now taken his tally for the season with Burnley to 11 goals in 29 appearances.
The Clarets will now face League One side Fleetwood Town in the fifth round on March 1.
Burnley’s next assignment is at home to Preston North End on Saturday as they look to maintain their lead at the top of the Championship.
