SEAN Dyche says Burnley have become a powerful force in the Championship, after opening up a two-point gap at the top with a 1-0 win at Ipswich Town.

Scott Arfield’s fourth goal of the season was enough to clinch it for the Clarets in a tight contest to record a sixth straight league win, the club’s second win at Portman Road in their history and Burnley’s best start to a season in 116 years.

But 12 games in, Dyche insists their form is more than just a good start now.

“You don’t win anything for just having a good start. It’s beyond a good start now, just past a quarter of the season, so it’s fair to say there are signs of an ongoing process,” said the Clarets boss.

“It has to continue, we have to keep working hard because it’s a really tough division. You have to find different ways of winning if you want to be successful on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, cups, whatever it may be.

“We are doing that, we are finding ways. When we’re free flowing we’ve won, when it’s tight we’ve won. It’s a work in progress and it doesn’t stop, but we’re showing very good signs.”

Dyche added: “My message is the same as it has been since pre-season. I made it clear what my thoughts were and that was to be in a position where you look down the tunnel, you look at your team-mates and you’re ready to go.

“That’s what we’re about, a collective mentality, and some talent I must add by the way, a good tactical shape. All those things added together can make you a powerful force and at the moment that’s exactly what’s happening.

“But it’s never-ending thing, we’re onto the next one with QPR.

“They come thick and fast.”

Burnley were ahead of QPR on goal difference going into the weekend’s games. Their late draw at Millwall means the Clarets are two points clear ahead of their Turf Moor meeting on Saturday.

“It’s interesting,” said Dyche of the league table.

“I don’t pay too much attention to it but it’s hard not to when you keep getting mentioned as being top of the league. But all credit to everyone.

“We’re just looking to going into each game with that winning mentality. So far it’s serving us well.

“There is no guarantee but what there is there is a nice feel to the group and there’s an energy and there is definitely some quality.

“As much as we enjoy what’s going on we don’t get too carried away. But we are enjoying the moment, for sure.”