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