Bolland’s Header earns Barrow a Boxing Day Victory over Stockport

Festive Double Header Part One

Barrow 1-0 Stockport County: Hurst’s Heroics, the Brilliance of Baker and Festive Winter Hats.

Barrow skipper Phil Bolland headed home Richie Baker’s corner kick on 42^nd minute to secure all three points for the Bluebirds over Stockport County.

In the first of two matches between Barrow and Stockport over Christmas and New Year, it was a tight affair which could have been won by either side.

Stockport came close to scoring from a corner kick when Andy Halls’ header was spectacularly cleared off the line by Baker on 25^th minute.

Barrow pushed on to extend their lead in the second half, but County created a string of chances in the closing stages. Ryan Fraughan came closest to scoring for the away side in 74^th minute but his shot from 12 yards out was saved by Barrow keeper Danny Hurst.

In this close contest, Barrow were the better side and move up to 10^th in the Blue Square Bet Premier.

All the action and goal chances are in my full time report for The Bay.

Barrow joint manager Dave Bayliss said was delighted to pick up three points and secure an important victory in my post match interview recorded for the Bay’s Goalzone.

Dave Bayliss Interview - Barrow v Stockport by amyscarisbrick

Hurst’s Heroics

After Christmas dinner has been eaten and a few hangovers have kicked in, it seems there is no better way to spend Boxing Day than supporting your football team. The Boxing Day football fixture is always one of the most highly attended matches of the season and this game was no exception with over 2000 visiting the Furness Building Society Stadium.

After settling for 1-1 draw away at Hayes and Yeading last Saturday, Barrow managers Dave Bayliss and Darren Sheridan made two changes to the starting line up. Danny Hurst returns in goal after suffering from a groin injury, replacing Shaun Pearson. Richie Baker was selected in the centre of midfield ahead of Andy Ferrell in the Bluebirds’ 4-4-2 formation.

The action opened with a couple of tame headers from Barrow’s Andy Cook. The first from 6 yards out after the ball was delivered in by Paul Rutherford on 6^th minute. Cook’s second chance was a header at the back post which he sent over the cross bar on 11^th minute.

However, after Barrow’s early opportunities, Stockport started to build and came close to scoring. Ryan Fraughan curled a ball from the right of the box to Tom Elliott at the back post. The ball was just too high for Elliott to connect with, but it fell to Sean McConville who blasted his shot into the side netting.

As the half progressed, Barrow gained greater possession and created threatening goal scoring opportunities. James Owen’s shot from 20 yards out drifted narrowly wide of Stockport’s left post on 31^st minute.

Moments later Paul Rutherford’s curling shot from 25 yards out was heading into the top left corner before it was pushed wide by County keeper Matt Glennon.

The pressure that Barrow placed on Stockport was evident as County manager Jim Gannon made a double substitution at half time.

Barrow continued to control the match with many chances to score a second goal. Andy Cook missed a golden opportunity when he was left unmarked in the penalty area, but scuffed his shot wide and twisted his ankle in the process.

Substitute Louis Almond picked out Adam Boyes who should have drilled a shot from 10 yards out. The striker seemed to lack confidence and his tame shot was deflected wide.

However, in the closing stages of the match, Stockport’s late chances to equalise were stopped by a brilliant performance from keeper Danny Hurst.

Hurst saved tricky long range shots from Sheridan and Fraughan’s 30 yard free kick that was heading into the bottom left corner. It was a commendable performance from the keeper in his first game back from injury and added another clean sheet in his fantastic debut season for the Bluebirds.

It wasn’t a polished performance from Barrow and securing a second goal would have eased County’s pressure on the defence in the final stages. Nevertheless, it was a strong and important victory to lift them into 10^th in the league. 

The Brilliance of Baker

The man of the match was Richie Baker. After a stunning performance along with the rest of the squad in Barrow’s FA Cup defeat to Rotherham, I think that Baker has recently had a quiet spell in the heart of midfield. Perhaps he has just gone unnoticed compared to James Owen’s recent good form.

But today Baker was certainly at his best, crucially stopping Stockport’s best scoring opportunity. Danny Hurst was clearly beaten by Andy Halls’ headed shot, but Baker’s headed clearance from the line was also a turning point in the match. The momentum shifted from Stockport into Barrow’s favour as Owen and Rutherford produced chances which led to Phil Bolland’s goal.

Baker was also a vital component in Barrow’s attacking force in the second half with a shot from 25 yards out that travelled narrowly over the crossbar.

In a scrappy match with many challenges flying in, Baker and Owen remained strong and creative in the centre of midfield, earning Barrow a hard fought victory.

Festive Winter Hats

As it was Christmas, I used one of my novelty presents to help me report on the festive football. For all of my radio reports for The Bay, I wore a koala bear hat with matching gloves. (Ok, a santa hat would have been more festive!)

As you would expect, I received a few strange looks from fans around the Furness Building Society Stadium and the press box, but it proved to be an amusing sideshow to the match. But I can safely say that the hat and gloves will not be returning until next Christmas.

Wearing a koala bear hat to keep warm at Barrow's Boxing Day match

Before I sign out, a brief mention to everyone who works in the Barrow press box. There’s always lots of banter and like the fans, we experience every moment of Barrow’s season through all the highs, lows and stormy Tuesday night matches at Holker Street. Keep up the hard work!

All attention now focuses ahead of Part Two of this festive double header and whether Barrow can secure another victory over Stockport as they travel to Edgeley Park on New Year’s Day.

@amyscarisbrick

Barrow: Hurst Lomax Skelton Bolland (Capt) Hone Mackreth (Smith 87) Baker Owen Rutherford Cook (Almond 78) Boyes

Subs not used: Pearson Ferrell Rowe

Stockport County: Glennon Edwards Halls O’Donnell (Capt) (Rowe 46) Piergianni Connor Sheridan (Gritton 88) Holden Elliott Fraughan McConville (Cole 46)

Subs not used: Ormson Nolan

Half Term Report: A Review of Barrow's First Half of the Season

With 24 matches played by most of the Blue Square Bet Premier sides, we’re at the halfway mark of the season. Like any team in the Conference, Barrow have had their high and low points in the first half of their campaign, but overall it has been a solid and successful first half of the season in the run up to Christmas. Here is my half-term review of the Bluebirds’ performances so far this season:

 

I visited Barrow training in Salford before their FA Trophy First Round Tie with Harrogate Town to ask them their thoughts on the first half of the season. Here is a video package on the Bluebirds' performances which includes interviews with Joint Manager Dave Bayliss and players Richie Baker, Phil Bolland and Adam Boyes: 

Here is a interactive timeline of Barrow's 2011/2012 season. For better viewing, please select "View in Dipity"

Barrow season 2011/12 on Dipity.

The Low Points

Starting with the negatives first and it is fair to say there haven’t been too many bad points for the Bluebirds so far. There have been a few performances this season that have been disappointing. It has sometimes been frustrating to watch Barrow in matches they have controlled and dominated throughout and in the closing stages they have let valuable points escape them. Recently, this was the case at home against Ebbsfleet United when they let two points slip after leading for 81 minutes, only to draw 1-1.

Like most teams, there have been a few terrible trips away from home. The 5-1 defeat at Luton Town was admirable considering Barrow were hit by injuries and could not produce a bench full of players. Particular low points for the Bluebirds has to be their 5-2 defeat away at Grimsby and their 2-1 loss to Southport at Haig Avenue when Barrow’s Paul Rutherford took the lead, but they went on to lose and let three points slip.

It is harsh to pick out certain bad performances as every football team have disappointing results. My only criticism of Barrow is the inability to close out matches once they have took the lead early on in the game.

The lowest point of the season I think for every Barrow fan and definitely for me personally was the 2-1 defeat to Rotherham in the FA Cup First Round. Barrow had a dream start after taking the lead with Paul Rutherford’s goal and they dominated much of the match. Adam Boyes nearly made it 2-0 for Barrow after hitting the cross bar.

After leading for most of the match, Rotherham’s Lewis Grabban scored a dubious equaliser as Guy Branston involved in the build up play appeared to be offside. With a penalty awarded to Rotherham after Paul Smith handballed in the area, Grabban scored from the spot to end Barrow’s FA Cup dreams in the dying stages of the match.

The most disappointing part of the match was that Barrow deserved to win and an away trip to Shrewsbury in the second round would have been a brilliant day out for the Bluebirds. It was also heartbreaking to hear all the Barrow fans silenced and I personally have never felt so empty after reporting on a football match.

The High Points

After 23 matches, Barrow have already picked up 34 points and are 11^th in the league table which is evidence that this has been a successful campaign so far.

With the aim of 50 points in the league, Barrow are already past the halfway point and are aiming for a solid mid-table finish with an optimistic and outside chance of getting a play off place if they are in good form over the next few months.

This is remarkable for their fourth season in the Conference, considering they narrowly avoided a relegation battle at the end of last season.

There have been three factors in my view to Barrow’s success in the first half of the season: Giant killing performances, great home form and new players that have been brought into the team this season.

Giant Killing Performances

Notably, the best Barrow matches have been their resounding victories against the top teams in the Blue Square Bet Premier. A great result was Barrow’s 4-0 victory against promotion favourites and local rivals Fleetwood Town. Even though the Cod Army were struggling at the start of the season, Barrow played as a solid and dynamic team that Fleetwood couldn’t play.

Another memorable match was the 3-1 victory over Wrexham at home. To beat the league leaders with two goals from Adam Boyes was a spectacular and well deserved victory.

Drawing goalless against play off placed York City and a great 1-0 win away at Darlington have shown how Barrow have regularly earned points in tough games this season and they are a force that big teams should fear.

Great Home Form

With the best home form out of every team in the league this season, Barrow have turned the newly named Furness Building Society Stadium into a fortress. In the build up to every match, the home and away media write and speak of how hard it is to come to Barrow and play at Holker Street. This has been a key asset to the Bluebirds this season as they have produced stunning victories, but also can grind out a 1-0 victory on a cold and windy Tuesday evening against Alfreton Town.

Perhaps the long distances teams have to travel and the trek along the A590 has been a greater factor this year than previous seasons. With a growing number of southern teams in the Conference, the trip to Cumbria is the furthest that many sides have to travel throughout the whole season. This has possibly intimidated several teams before they have even arrived to play the match.

Barrow’s New Players

Barrow’s new signings this season have definitely been a revelation. All attention has been focused on Adam Boyes who has already racked up 18 goals this season and Jack Mackreth who is almost unbeatable on the right wing.

In addition, loan signing Dominic Rowe, Louis Almond and the improved form of Andy Cook from last season has created a young and dynamic team who play with great energy and little fear.

Another key factor, aside from Boyes and Mackreth’s stunning performances, is how the new players have moulded well with Barrow’s existing squad. James Owen has stepped up to the plate in midfield after Robin Hulbert was out with a long term injury. Owen has really emerged from his shell and commands play in the middle of the park.

Paul Rutherford has been quick and threatening on the wing as ever and it is nice to see him combine with Mackreth as both provide great goal scoring opportunities.

Gavin Skelton has also been strong in the left back position. After left back Paul Edwards and right back Simon Spender left the squad, Skelton and Paul Smith have been solid in defence. Under the leadership of experienced Captain Phil Bolland, this mixture of youth with experienced Bluebirds has produced a team which joint managers Dave Bayliss and Darren Sheridan can develop and hope to have success with.

What’s In Store For 2012?

The next couple of months will have challenges but potential rewards for Barrow. A double header with Stockport over Christmas and New Year and a savouring encounter with Fleetwood Town at Highbury.

Another key upcoming fixture is 4^th February when Barrow host Luton Town. The Bluebirds will focus on progressing as far as they can in the FA Trophy competition, with a chance to try and repeat their 2010 trophy victory.

It will be a tough second half of the season with more fixtures on the road than at home, but if Barrow can maintain the form they have shown in the first half of the season, they are on course to earn their best finish in the Blue Square Bet Premier yet.

@amyscarisbrick

Contact the author: ascarisbrick@uclan.ac.uk

Football Match Attendances: Has Watching the Beautiful Game Lost its Attraction?

For any die hard football fan, there is nothing more appealing than going to watch your team play from the stands and terraces at your football ground. But with more televised matches, growing fuel prices and the economic recession squeezing everyone – Is going to watch a football game on a Saturday afternoon still popular and accessible for football fans?

Football Attendances

Last month, England played Sweden in a friendly match at Wembley stadium in front of 48,786 fans. Even though fans had flocked to watch England beat Spain at Wembley a week earlier, England’s national stadium was less than half full.

It’s no secret that football grounds, particularly lower down the football league pyramid struggle to attract large crowds to home games every week.

Non league football has always had a varied crowd response. FC United of Manchester is a success story with weekly high attendances, including 2075 at home to Chorley earlier this month. This has been mainly down to their co-operative business model in which all fans have a share in the running of their football club.

Other initiatives such as Non league Day have been encouraging football fans to support their local clubs instead of just supporting Premier league giants.

So are football attendances sliding or increasing? Have high ticket prices and working hours over the weekend caused viewing a football game to be an expensive luxury? Or are football fans doing everything they can to still shout for their team from the terraces?

I questioned football fans from Premier League all the way through to non league football on their experiences of visiting matches.

This report is purely based on public opinion to investigate attitudes towards visiting football matches.

I received responses from Arsenal and Manchester United fans right through to Lancaster City and Solihull Moors.

Ticket Prices

When asked if ticket prices were too high, over 66% of fans think that ticket prices are too high. The same amount of fans said they were willing to pay £11 – £20 for a ticket to see an individual football match.

A quarter of fans said they were prepared to pay between £21 and £30 for a football match ticket.    

However, 45% of football fans also said that cheaper tickets would persuade them to go to more football matches.

It seems that ticket prices are a factor putting fans off attending more matches. Interestingly, ticket availability was a not an issue for the fans questioned as no one said they had any difficulties getting match tickets.

A Pie Chart showing the amount fans are willing to pay for an individual match ticket (£):

  Travelling to Matches

 

The increasing price of fuel is unsurprisingly a factor travelling to away games and also fans who live far away from the teams they support. One sixth said they don’t visit matches as they are too far away. Also, the majority of fans visit half the amount of away matches than the home games they watch. This shows that football fans do travel to football matches as much as possible but travelling is inevitably a factor that stops fans from seeing more matches.

 

Empty or Full stadiums?

 

When asked their opinion, only one sixth of fans said they felt their ground was busy on match days.

 

This suggests that there is possibly a problem with attendances at football matches, particularly in non-league football as their fans felt their stadiums were the emptiest.

A Pie Chart showing fan's opinions on whether their football teams' stadiums are empty or full?:

Incentives to see more matches

Football fans said the main incentive for them to see more matches is cheaper tickets. Nearly half of those questioned said that this would be the main method that would encourage them to go to more of their team’s matches.

There was an equal share between other factors that would persuade fans to visit more matches. A number of fans said that cheaper fuel prices, better transport and better team performances would influence them to see more matches.

A Pie Chart showing incentives that would persuade football fans to visit more matches:

Positives of watching football matches

80% of fans say they visit football matches as a social event amongst friends and family.

Over 50% of those who answered my survey visit over 20 matches a season and all but one of my participants said they prefer to watch a match in the stadium rather than on television. This shows that the passion to go and watch football is still present.

Again, it was not surprising to discover that the non league football fans felt their grounds were half empty, quiet or empty rather than fans from the Premier League, Championship and Leagues One and Two.

Perhaps the answer is cheaper tickets, better transport services and initiatives to encourage fans to come to the stadium more. Perhaps the social side of visiting football should be exploited more. Clearly the passion to see football and visit matches is still present amongst football fans, but more initiatives should be used to harness support for local, non league and grass roots football.

The findings of my survey are not a surprise and have not uncovered anything unexpected, but it reaffirms that despite current attempts, more needs to be done to allow fans to enjoy the beautiful game from the terraces.

@amyscarisbrick

Thanks to everyone who took part in my survey, long may you keep supporting your local teams

Contact the author: ascarisbrick@uclan.ac.uk

Blue Squared Bulletin: Episode 6

Monday's edition features a roundup of the weekend's Blue Square Bet Premier results, the FA Trophy First Round Draw and a preview of Tuesday night's evening matches:

Blue Squared Bulletin: Episode 6 by amyscarisbrick

@amyscarisbrick

Contact the author: ascarisbrick@uclan.ac.uk

FA Trophy Final 2010 - Barrow v Stevenage Highlights

The edited highlights of the FA Trophy Final 2010 featuring Barrow v Stevenage at Wembley Stadium.

A memorable 2-1 victory for Barrow over the 2010 Blue Square Premier Champions Stevenage in a match with two red cards.

Goals from Stevenage's Andy Drury and Barrow's Lee McEvilly caused the match to remain at 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes.

A stunning goal from Barrow's star striker Jason Walker in extra time resulted in the Bluebirds winning the FA Trophy.

The exciting action of extra time can be heard from 8.00 - 12.00 minutes.

Here are highlights of The Bay's Goalzone Commentary with Dave Salmon and Amy Scarisbrick:

FA Trophy Final 2010 - Barrow v Stevenage - Match Commentary Highlights by amyscarisbrick

Match commentary recorded at Wembley on 8th May 2010

My Wembley Story

Instead of writing down my experience of commentating at Wembley, here are all my photographs, highlights of my commentary and video segments of the incredible FA Trophy Final 2010



@amyscarisbrick

Contact the author: ascarisbrick@uclan.ac.uk

Blue Squared Bulletin: Episode 5

This edition of the Blue Squared Bulletin features a roundup of the week's news and manic transfer activity, FA Cup First Round Replay update and a preview of this weekend's Blue Square Bet Premier matches:

Blue Squared Bulletin: Episode 5 by amyscarisbrick

@amyscarisbrick

Contact the author: ascarisbrick@uclan.ac.uk

Survey Investigating Football Match Attendances

Blue Squared Bulletin: Episode 4

Monday's Edition of the Blue Squared Bulletin with a roundup of the weekend's results, goals and action from across the Blue Square Bet Premier:


Blue Squared Bulletin: Episode 4 by amyscarisbrick

@amyscarisbrick

Contact the author: ascarisbrick@uclan.ac.uk

York Go Down to Nine Men in Injury Time as Barrow Battle to Goalless Draw

Barrow 0-0 York City: The War of the Roses, Stoppage Time Sending Offs and the Return of “You Know Who”

Barrow and York City shake hands ahead of the match

An entertaining and competitive goalless draw turned dramatic with red cards shown to York's Andre Boucard and former Barrow player Jason Walker in the 96^th minute.

Barrow edged a gritty first half of football by producing more shots on target than their Yorkshire rivals. The Bluebirds came close to scoring in the 7th minute with Andy Cook’s header from 8 yards out, narrowly drifting wide of the left hand post.

Barrow should have taken the lead with Richie Baker’s stunning free kick from 25 yards out. Baker looped the ball over the wall and it was pushed over the crossbar by York City keeper Michael Ingham

After the break, York were the better side as they started cutting through the Bluebirds’ midfield. The away team were close to scoring on 63^rd minute after Matthew Blair’s cross set up Jason Walker with a headed shot at the back post. The ball was blocked by Barrow keeper Danny Hurst and fell to Ashley Chambers who also had his shot stopped by Hurst before it was cleared off the line by Paul Smith.

In stoppage time, Jason Walker was sent off after a dangerous challenge on Barrow's James Owen. Handbags broke out between players and York's Andre Boucard was also given a straight red card for his role in the tussles.

Barrow’s point keeps them 12th in the Blue Square Bet Premier, while York City dropped a place to 5^th.  

Bluebirds’ joint manager Dave Bayliss was delighted with the hard fought draw in my post match interview recorded for The Bay.   

A roundup of all the action is in my full time report for The Bay's Goalzone

Barrow's fans homemade banner of the Lancashire red rose

The War of the Roses

Barrow, formerly a part of Lancashire, always relishes the prospect of playing York City. Even though it is a loose interpretation of the northern borders, for the match’s purpose it was a battle of Lancashire v Yorkshire.

The 32 year wars from 1455-1487 was eventually won by the red rose of Lancashire. Would they defeat the white rose of Yorkshire on the football pitch this time?

Raising the stakes of this fierce northern derby, was the return of Barrow’s Wembley hero Jason Walker for the first time to Holker Street since he left the club exactly one year ago. The focus was the head to head of both club's top scorers. Walker has scored 15 goals this season while Barrow’s new hero Adam Boyes has netted 16 goals.

Joint managers Dave Bayliss and Darren Sheridan made two changes after their heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Rotherham in the FA Cup First Round last weekend. New loan signing Danny Hone from Lincoln City made his debut to replace Mike Pearson who is out for 3 months with a broken leg and ankle.  

Andy Cook was back in the starting line up, replacing Louis Almond in Barrow’s 4-4-2 formation.

In a fierce and gritty first half, York conceded many free kicks, giving Barrow several threatening on-target opportunities.

The Bluebirds started the brighter side as Adam Boyes stole the ball from Jamal Fyfield inside York’s half and ran along the right wing before three defenders wrestled him off the ball in the box.

Paul Smith created another great chance by curling the ball from 20 yards out before Phil Bolland came charging at the back post, toeing the ball narrowly wide.

Adam Boyes nearly added another goal to his tally with a shot from 20 yards out, He aimed for the bottom left corner but it was saved by Ingham on 28^th minute.

However, York City were competitive and composed in the first 45 minutes. Scott Kerr was exceptional in the centre of midfield when he beautifully threaded the ball through to Jason Walker who could not quite reach it in the box.

Ashley Chambers produced York’s first half chance with a shot from 8 yards out that was deflected and eventually cleared by defender Phil Bolland.

The away side lifted their performance in the second half and started to put pressure on the Bluebirds’ defence.

Jason Walker took a magical free kick on 66^th minute from 25 yards out which was dipping in to the top right corner before Hurst’s fingertips edged the shot over the crossbar. The Barrow keeper hit his head against the advertising hoardings in his heroic efforts and had to receive treatment for several minutes.   

But Barrow also had a number of chances to break the deadlock in the second half. Andy Cook produced the Bluebirds’ best chance of the afternoon with a driving shot from 30 yards out that drifted inches wide of the left hand post on the 48^th minute.

On the 73^rd minute, Adam Boyes was in a brilliant position 12 yards out but his headed shot was tame and easily gathered by keeper Michael Ingham. In the closing stages, there were little shots on goal as both sides seemed to accept a draw.  

As the match progressed, more tackles were flying in and got increasingly more physical. A scrappy sporting version of the War of the Roses seemed to slowly develop before our eyes. There were long periods of stoppage time with Bolland, Cook and Owen all receiving treatment on the pitches for various knocks.

Referee Karl Evans had refrained from showing any cards until James Owen was booked in the 91^st minute. But this war was only getting started…

Stoppage Time Sending Offs

In an unexpected twist to the match, nine minutes of stoppage time saw two sending offs for York City.

With the delays to treat several Barrow players, six minutes added time was signalled by the fourth official. Both teams began attacking and Baker nearly stole all three points for Barrow when he received the ball on the edge of the box. He slightly snatched his shot and the ball just travelled wide of the left hand post.

In 93^rd minute, a frustrated Walker went in with his studs showing in a hard one footed challenge on former team mate James Owen.

Barrow and York's players walking out onto the pitch

However, unexpectedly the York players reacted badly to Owen going to ground and tussles and fisty cuffs broke out as the players from both teams crowded around each other.

Walker’s tackle looked nasty and I think the referee made the right decision to show a straight red card. It was deemed that Andre Boucard had been heavily involved in the on pitch handbags, so he was also sent off the pitch.

From my view in the press box, it was hard to tell who was to blame for the tussles and it was certainly a surprise amongst all the media to see two York players dismissed.

The Return of “You Know Who”

Clearly Jason Walker was always going to be the main attraction in this northern encounter. After three successful seasons with the Bluebirds and scoring the winning goal at Wembley in extra time in the FA Trophy Final 2010, he was always a favourite amongst Barrow fans.

I myself found it quite strange to see Walker playing in a red shirt. I wasn’t the only one who was slightly confused at the return of striker. The Barrow mascots ahead of the game were asked which player they wanted to walk out of the tunnel with, they answered Jason.

The highest league attendance of 2190 for this season was waiting for a showdown between Walker and Boyes that did not quite happen.

Jason Walker celebrating Barrow's FA Trophy win in 2010

                                                                       
Walker has been suffering from a slight achilles injury and I think it showed as he did seem a step slower than normal. However, frustrated and probably anxious to score on his return to Holker Street, he misjudged his tackle on Owen.

After seeing red, Walker did receive many wry smiles, grins and comments from Barrow fans as he entered the tunnel. I think this was the moment that some Barrow fans had finally realised that Walker is firmly part of the past.

Barrow have progressed as a club successfully without him and will continue to do so. It just proves that no player, not even a star one, is bigger than any football club. Football fans will see their favourite players come and go but they will always put the club first.

The Bluebirds now plan ahead to next week’s match away to league strugglers AFC Telford.

@amyscarisbrick


Barrow: Hurst Smith Skelton Bolland (Capt) Hone Mackreth (Rowe 86) Baker Owen Rutherford Cook (Almond 79) Boyes

Subs not used: S Pearson Ferrell Lomax

York City: Ingham Meredith Smith (McGurk 66) Kerr Walker Chambers (Parslow 90+8) Boucaud Fyfield Blair Challinor Mclaughlin (Pilkington 59)

Subs not used: Reed Moke

Contact the author: ascarisbrick@uclan.ac.uk

Blue Squared Bulletin: Episode 3

Friday's edition of the Blue Squared Bulletin. Includes a preview of this weekend's Blue Square Bet Premier fixtures and the latest transfer and Barrow AFC news:

Blue Squared Bulletin: Episode 3 by amyscarisbrick

@amyscarisbrick

Contact the author: ascarisbrick@uclan.ac.uk

Blue Squared Bulletin: Episode 2 - FA Cup Roundup

Episode 2 features Barrow's latest injury blow and a round up of all the FA Cup action affecting the Blue Square Bet Premier sides:


Blue Squared Bulletin: Episode 2 - FA Cup Roundup by amyscarisbrick

@amyscarisbrick

Contact the author: ascarisbrick@uclan.ac.uk

Barrow’s Heartbreak as Rotherham Score Two Late Goals to Steal FA Cup Victory.

Barrow 1-2 Rotherham: Rudders Returns, Magic of the FA Cup and The Great Barrovian Robbery?

Barrow training ahead of their FA Cup First Round Tie against Rotherham

Barrow conceded two late goals to League Two side Rotherham United after leading for 67 minutes of the FA Cup First Round match. 

Paul Rutherford capitalised on the Rotherham keeper’s mistake to put the Bluebirds in the lead on the 15^th minute. Conrad Logan came off his line to deal with Richie Baker’s inswinging corner from the left hand side. After Logan's two failed attempts at punching it clear, the ball fell to Rutherford 16 yards out and he struck a sweet volley into the back of Rotherham's empty net.

Barrow was the better side for the first half and the early stages of the second, before Rotherham began to push a little deeper into the Bluebird’s half.

Lewis Grabban stole an equaliser on 82^nd minute by rifling the ball into the back of Danny Hurst’s net. The Barrow players crowded the linesman as Guy Branston appeared to be in an offside position in the build-up play leading to Grabban’s goal.

Grabban scored his second to earn Rotherham the winner after Paul Smith handballed in the area, giving Rotherham a penalty. Grabban sent the ball into the centre of Hurst's net from the penalty spot on 87^th minute to secure Rotherham’s place in the FA Cup Second Round.

Barrow Joint Boss Dave Bayliss was disappointed with the result but reassured fans that “no one’s died, it’s just a game of football” in my post match interview recorded for The Bay’s Goalzone.

All the match action can be heard in my post-match report for The Bay.

Rudders Returns

The day started with an excited atmosphere and the belief that giant killing was possible. Barrow were taking on Rotherham, a team only one league above the Blue Square Bet Premier.

As Adam Boyes scored four past Witton Albion to qualify for the FA Cup First Round, there was a great feeling among fans that Barrow could cause an upset against the Yorkshire side.

With no new injury worries, Barrow managers Dave Bayliss and Darren Sheridan made two changes to the side that lost 2-1 to Lincoln City last week.

Phil Bolland was back as centre half after Adam Quinn returned to parent club Darlington at the end of his loan spell. Interestingly, Louis Almond was brought in to partner Adam Boyes upfront, dropping Andy Cook to the bench.

Barrow lined up in the usual 4-4-2 formation in the repeat of the 1988 FA Cup First Round fixture which saw Ray Wilkie’s Barrow lose 3-1 to Rotherham. This was the perfect opportunity for history to be rewritten.

Rotherham had an early half chance on the second minute as Lewis Grabban beautifully crossed from the right wing to set up Gareth Evans’ tame header at the back post.

Paul Rutherford had a bright start when he ran the ball into the left hand side of the box. He lost possession before the ball fell to Gavin Skelton who blazed his shot over the cross bar from 16 yards out.

With strong competition for places in Barrow’s midfield recently, Rutherford has had a quiet few months at Holker Street. By scoring his second goal of the season, Rudders has alerted that he still remains a valuable member of Barrow’s starting line up.

Moments after Rutherford’s goal, Adam Boyes was inches away from making it 2-0 when he received Jack Mackreth’s pass from the right wing. The keeper Logan had slightly lost his footing and Boyes hit the cross bar with his strike from 20 yards out.

Barrow’s Louis Almond was fierce and threatening upfront for the entire first half. The striker had a spectacular chance on 36^th minute when he broke from the centre circle and his powerful shot from 20 yards out was pushed wide by Logan’s diving save.

Jack Mackreth also had a lively first half as he tore up the right wing, challenging left back Tom Newey every time he got the ball.

There were several great attempts from Rotherham in the closing stages of the first half as Chris Holroyd broke into the box and was stopped by keeper Danny Hurst’s last ditch save.

On 47^th minute, the Millers’ Alex Revell cut through centre backs Phil Bolland and Mike Pearson and his drilled shot from 25 yards out was pushed over the crossbar by Hurst’s fingertips.

For 80 minutes it was a dynamic and confident performance from Barrow in the FA Cup tie. If the home side had scored the elusive second goal, it may have been a very different outcome.

The Great Barrovian Robbery?

Even though Barrow were the stronger side, Rotherham created several dangerous opportunities in the final 20 minutes. The Millers’ were able to push through Barrow’s midfield a little easier than the first half which created more attacking opportunities.

After Mackreth’s shot from 15 yards was saved by Conrad Logan, Rotherham started to edge further into Barrow’s half.

Rotherham substitute Danny Schofield blazed a shot high and wide from the great position of 8 yards out on the 64^th minute.

Moments later, Lewis Grabban produced a driving shot from 25 yards out which Hurst managed to push wide.

However, most of the press box still believed Barrow looked comfortable enough to hold onto the lead.

But the match was turned on its head in the closing ten minutes and the tie will be remembered by Barrow fans for decisions made by referee Mr Adcock.

From my view in the press box, Guy Branston did appear to be offside during the build up of Grabham’s first goal, but televised highlights will settle myths once and for all.

Furthermore, several fans and players questioned whether Paul Smith’s handball merited a penalty. Barrow’s captain Phil Bolland earned himself a yellow card for protesting so strongly against the referee’s decision to award it.  

Personally, I think the penalty was correct. By allowing the first goal, the fate of Barrow had already been sealed as it changed the match’s momentum and killed the Bluebirds’ confidence.  

Rotherham just had that final edge and took the opportunity to win when the penalty was awarded in the closing stages of the game.  

There was no question that Barrow deserved to win or at least earn a replay at the Don Valley Stadium. However, the team must now move on and take heart from their brilliant performance against League Two opposition.

The Bluebirds have produced some fantastic performances in the league and will progress in the FA Trophy if they continue this good form.

Barrow’s left back Gavin Skelton said Barrow need to come back fighting after the defeat in my interview for The Bay Goalzone.


Gavin Skelton Interview - Barrow v Rotherham Utd FA Cup by amyscarisbrick


The Magic of the FA Cup 

Even though it was heartbreaking for Barrow’s players and fans, the event itself was a memorable occasion.  

When the players came out the tunnel, the Ray Wilkie Stand was full of homemade flags and blue streamers and confetti.

3030 fans came to watch the FA Cup First Round in the highest attendance at Holker Street this season. The atmosphere was electric for most of the match and it was nice to see Barrow’s fans support their players.

Even when the match was lost, the fans cheered and clapped the players off the pitch which shows how positive the Bluebird’s performance was.

The biggest disappointment of the cup tie was definitely the absence of the Chuckle Brothers. Away on holiday abroad, lifelong Rotherham fans Barry and Paul Chuckle were unable to visit Holker Street. They will now get the chance to travel to League Two's Shrewsbury Town in the Second Round of the FA Cup next month.

Barrow training before the match

On a positive note, I finally found fame at the weekend. I was sat next to the Sky Sports News reporter at the match and my radio reports for The Bay were heard in the background of Soccer Saturday. I will take this as a minor victory from the day as it brings me one step closer to Jeff Stelling at least.

Barrow now travel to Colne in the Lancashire Co-operative Trophy on Tuesday night. But all eyes will turn to next Saturday’s home league match against York City. Raising the stakes of this tough fixture even higher is the long anticipated return of Barrow’s Wembley hero Jason Walker.

Let’s see what Barrow’s new Boyes can do against “you know who.”

@amyscarisbrick

Barrow: Hurst Smith Skelton M Pearson (Nicholas 87) Bolland (Capt) Mackreth Baker Owen Rutherford Boyes Almond (Cook 78)

Subs not used: S Pearson Ferrell Sheridan Lomax

Rotherham Utd: Logan Tonge Newey Harrison Foster (Schofield 59) Evans Taylor Revell Branston Holroyd (Williams 60) Grabban

Subs not used: Warrington Marshall Banks Mullins Pringle

Contact the author: ascarisbrick@uclan.ac.uk