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"
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 11th 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 4th 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.
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