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| Darlington Fans at Barrow in possibly their club's last ever match |
In an emotionally charged match at the Furness Building Society, an Adam Boyes strike and two goals from Andy Cook secured three points for Barrow over financial strugglers Darlington.
Boyes took the lead for Barrow in the 15th minute after receiving the ball on the edge of the box. He took a touch, turned and his flicked volley was aided into the goal by Darlington keeper Sam Russell.
The Bluebirds then took control of the match with a goal from Andy Cook on 32nd minute. Man of the match Gavin Skelton’s cross was headed by Cook from 12 yards out into the left hand side of the net.
Darlington came closest to scoring when Adam Rundle rounded Gavin Skelton and James Owen and squared the ball for Ryan Bowman, but his 16 yard shot was blazed into the side netting.
Barrow charged to victory when Andy Cook scored his second of the day on 63rd minute. Adam Boyes rounded Liam Hatch on the right wing and squared the ball across the face of goal for Cook to slot in from 5 yards out.
Despite sustaining some pressure from the Quakers in spells of the game, Barrow cruised to victory on an afternoon where the off pitch drama was more important than the football match.
The Bluebirds move up to 11th in the Blue Square Bet Premier, while Darlington drop to 14th.
Barrow Joint Manager Dave Bayliss believes it was a professional job from the team during difficult circumstances in my post-match recorded for The Bay’s Goalzone.
Dave Bayliss Interview: Barrow v Darlington by amyscarisbrick
Off Pitch Drama
It has been a dramatic week for both Blue Square Bet Premier sides off the pitch.
This match was billed to be massive as it could possibly be Darlington’s last match as a football club in their 129 year history. Earlier this week, the Quakers were plunged into administration due to financial difficulties and must find a new buyer by 17th January or they cease to exist as a club.
The situation is so desperate for the club that local newspaper The Northern Echo paid for the coach to bring the players over to Barrow.
In south Cumbria, the week’s build up had included the road closure of Holker Street as strong winds have damaged a floodlight at the Furness Building Society Stadium.
While striker Louis Almond bid farewell to the Bluebirds and returned to parent club Blackpool, Danny Hone extended his loan spell with Barrow from Lincoln City until the end of the season.
Another point of interest was the match had a female referee. Amy Fearn from Leicestershire was in charge of all proceedings at the Furness Building Society Stadium.
The most noticeable part of the team news was the absence of Jack Mackreth from the squad due to the removal of an infected toe nail.
Barrow joint managers Dave Bayliss and Darren Sheridan made two changes to the side that lost 3-2 away to Stockport on New Year’s Day. Andy Ferrell replaced Mackreth and Paul Smith started ahead of Kelvin Lomax. They lined up in a flexible version of the 4-3-3 formation with Paul Rutherford and Adam Boyes playing off central striker Andy Cook.
There was a 10 minute delay to the start of kick off as officials were unable to get the high volume of away fans into the ground in time for 3pm.
It was a scrappy start to the match as Barrow conceded several free kicks, allowing Darlington to create half chances at goal.
After the opening 10 minutes, Andy Cook began to push forward and create a number of opportunities. The striker managed to round Liam Hatch and his headed shot was gathered comfortably by keeper Sam Russell.
The momentum firmly shifted towards Barrow after Boyes and Cook scored to put Barrow 2-0 up. It was a strong performance from both of the front men who linked up beautifully throughout the game.
Cook was particularly fierce, with energetic runs, bundles of chances to score and securing his 10th league goal, 11th in all competitions for the season. It was important for Adam Boyes to end a goal drought of two months to score his 13th league goal of the season, 19 in all competitions.
Richie Baker also nearly made the score sheet when his 25 yard free kick drifted wide of the top right corner of Darlington’s net on 25th minute.
Barrow then rotated their squad and altered their system. Kelvin Lomax came on at left back for James Owen who picked up a ligament strain, pushing Gavin Skelton into a new role in the centre of midfield.
Paul Rutherford was replaced by Cliff Moyo who came on at right back, moving Paul Smith into a right wing attacking position.
The match was comfortably dominated by Barrow who never looked like they were going to lose after Adam Boyes opened the scoring.
However, respect must be paid to Darlington as they never once gave up and continuously fought to get back into the match.
The Quakers pushed forward at every opportunity and nearly stole a consolation goal from a corner kick. Kris Taylor nearly spoiled the Bluebirds’ clean sheet but his shot from 12 yards out was cleared off the line by Barrow’s Andy Ferrell on 72nd minute.
Credit must be given to be Barrow for a professional job in difficult circumstances. They were clinical and did not show Darlington any sympathy when it came to winning the match.
But all the action of the game will be forgotten, a greater memory will remain from this weekend.
A Tribute to the Fans United
It was both a heartbreaking and special day at the Furness Building Society Stadium and right from the start everyone knew there was going to be a strange atmosphere.
Darlington’s manager, players and fans all prepared themselves that this game was possibly their club’s last. A massive 922 Darlington fans* travelled to Barrow in the largest away attendance at the Furness Building Society Stadium this season by a long stretch.
The most special part of the day was before the match when the Barrow’s fans held up a homemade banner with the words:
FOOTBALL CLUBS ARE FOR LIFE NOT JUST FOR BUSINESS
This was significant gesture and a message that the world of football can learn from. Unfortunately there will always be a non league club that will struggle to financially survive in the sport. But Barrow fans showed they understood Darlington’s situation and made a stand that clubs should not be just left to dissolve out of existence.
The banner created a great atmosphere in the Furness Building Society Stadium as both sets of fans stood united. For once the football match was unimportant. It showed that football is more than just a game and how much our local clubs truly mean to all us true football fans.
When the full time whistle blew, television cameras from the national media crowded around the Darlington players and fans. The anthem of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” eerily played out over the pa system as the Quakers went to applaud their fans.
It was almost as if Barrow was invisible as the managers, players and fans went into the tunnel and importantly allowed it to be Darlington’s day.
The officials then let the Darlington fans onto the pitch to spend time with their players.
It was also heartbreaking to see the Darlington Caretaker Manager Craig Liddle come up to the press box with tears in his eyes.
This was a completely unique occasion to witness. I left the stadium with a bittersweet feeling. A heavy heart for the plight of Darlington and how I never wanted to see fans saying farewell to their football club ever again. But on the other hand, I felt proud. Proud of Darlington’s fans for showing their passion and commitment to their club. Proud of Barrow’s fans for the respect they had shown for a struggling competitor.
The post-match reaction on Twitter was outstanding with tweets from both Barrow and Darlington fans sharing thoughts and thankyous with one another.
A connection was made between the fans of both clubs that will be remembered for a very long time.
I wish all the best to Darlington in the next few weeks and I hope they get the outcome they are hoping for.
This theme of finance will undoubtedly continue as Barrow take on Blue Square Bet Premier big spenders Fleetwood Town on Tuesday 10th January.
There is a fierce rivalry slowing building between the two North West sides as all their matches are explosive. Earlier this season, the Bluebirds unexpectedly destroyed the Cod Army 4-0 at home. But promotion favourites Fleetwood will go into this tie as clear favourites.
Let the rivalry commence
@amyscarisbrick
Barrow: Hurst Smith Skelton Bolland (Capt) Hone Baker Ferrell Owen (Lomax 49) Cook (Nicholas 82) Boyes Rutherford (Moyo 68)
Subs Not Used: Pearson Sheridan
Darlington: Russell Arnison Brown Chandler Hatch (Harrison 65) Taylor Bowman McReady (Gray 68) Rundle (Ramxhaw 80) Hopson Bridge-Wilkinson
Subs Not Used: Nixon Gray
*The correct away attendance was 922 not 1072 as announced at the game. The overall attendance was 2144.
Dave Bayliss Interview: Barrow v Darlington by amyscarisbrick
Off Pitch Drama
It has been a dramatic week for both Blue Square Bet Premier sides off the pitch.
This match was billed to be massive as it could possibly be Darlington’s last match as a football club in their 129 year history. Earlier this week, the Quakers were plunged into administration due to financial difficulties and must find a new buyer by 17th January or they cease to exist as a club.
The situation is so desperate for the club that local newspaper The Northern Echo paid for the coach to bring the players over to Barrow.
In south Cumbria, the week’s build up had included the road closure of Holker Street as strong winds have damaged a floodlight at the Furness Building Society Stadium.
While striker Louis Almond bid farewell to the Bluebirds and returned to parent club Blackpool, Danny Hone extended his loan spell with Barrow from Lincoln City until the end of the season.
Another point of interest was the match had a female referee. Amy Fearn from Leicestershire was in charge of all proceedings at the Furness Building Society Stadium.
The most noticeable part of the team news was the absence of Jack Mackreth from the squad due to the removal of an infected toe nail.
Barrow joint managers Dave Bayliss and Darren Sheridan made two changes to the side that lost 3-2 away to Stockport on New Year’s Day. Andy Ferrell replaced Mackreth and Paul Smith started ahead of Kelvin Lomax. They lined up in a flexible version of the 4-3-3 formation with Paul Rutherford and Adam Boyes playing off central striker Andy Cook.
There was a 10 minute delay to the start of kick off as officials were unable to get the high volume of away fans into the ground in time for 3pm.
It was a scrappy start to the match as Barrow conceded several free kicks, allowing Darlington to create half chances at goal.
After the opening 10 minutes, Andy Cook began to push forward and create a number of opportunities. The striker managed to round Liam Hatch and his headed shot was gathered comfortably by keeper Sam Russell.
The momentum firmly shifted towards Barrow after Boyes and Cook scored to put Barrow 2-0 up. It was a strong performance from both of the front men who linked up beautifully throughout the game.
Cook was particularly fierce, with energetic runs, bundles of chances to score and securing his 10th league goal, 11th in all competitions for the season. It was important for Adam Boyes to end a goal drought of two months to score his 13th league goal of the season, 19 in all competitions.
Richie Baker also nearly made the score sheet when his 25 yard free kick drifted wide of the top right corner of Darlington’s net on 25th minute.
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| Barrow training ahead of their match with Darlington |
Paul Rutherford was replaced by Cliff Moyo who came on at right back, moving Paul Smith into a right wing attacking position.
The match was comfortably dominated by Barrow who never looked like they were going to lose after Adam Boyes opened the scoring.
However, respect must be paid to Darlington as they never once gave up and continuously fought to get back into the match.
The Quakers pushed forward at every opportunity and nearly stole a consolation goal from a corner kick. Kris Taylor nearly spoiled the Bluebirds’ clean sheet but his shot from 12 yards out was cleared off the line by Barrow’s Andy Ferrell on 72nd minute.
Credit must be given to be Barrow for a professional job in difficult circumstances. They were clinical and did not show Darlington any sympathy when it came to winning the match.
But all the action of the game will be forgotten, a greater memory will remain from this weekend.
A Tribute to the Fans United
It was both a heartbreaking and special day at the Furness Building Society Stadium and right from the start everyone knew there was going to be a strange atmosphere.
Darlington’s manager, players and fans all prepared themselves that this game was possibly their club’s last. A massive 922 Darlington fans* travelled to Barrow in the largest away attendance at the Furness Building Society Stadium this season by a long stretch.
The most special part of the day was before the match when the Barrow’s fans held up a homemade banner with the words:
FOOTBALL CLUBS ARE FOR LIFE NOT JUST FOR BUSINESS
This was significant gesture and a message that the world of football can learn from. Unfortunately there will always be a non league club that will struggle to financially survive in the sport. But Barrow fans showed they understood Darlington’s situation and made a stand that clubs should not be just left to dissolve out of existence.
The banner created a great atmosphere in the Furness Building Society Stadium as both sets of fans stood united. For once the football match was unimportant. It showed that football is more than just a game and how much our local clubs truly mean to all us true football fans.
When the full time whistle blew, television cameras from the national media crowded around the Darlington players and fans. The anthem of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” eerily played out over the pa system as the Quakers went to applaud their fans.
It was almost as if Barrow was invisible as the managers, players and fans went into the tunnel and importantly allowed it to be Darlington’s day.
The officials then let the Darlington fans onto the pitch to spend time with their players.
 |
| Darlington Fans on the Pitch at the Furness Building Society Stadium |
It was also heartbreaking to see the Darlington Caretaker Manager Craig Liddle come up to the press box with tears in his eyes.
This was a completely unique occasion to witness. I left the stadium with a bittersweet feeling. A heavy heart for the plight of Darlington and how I never wanted to see fans saying farewell to their football club ever again. But on the other hand, I felt proud. Proud of Darlington’s fans for showing their passion and commitment to their club. Proud of Barrow’s fans for the respect they had shown for a struggling competitor.
The post-match reaction on Twitter was outstanding with tweets from both Barrow and Darlington fans sharing thoughts and thankyous with one another.
A connection was made between the fans of both clubs that will be remembered for a very long time.
I wish all the best to Darlington in the next few weeks and I hope they get the outcome they are hoping for.
This theme of finance will undoubtedly continue as Barrow take on Blue Square Bet Premier big spenders Fleetwood Town on Tuesday 10th January.
There is a fierce rivalry slowing building between the two North West sides as all their matches are explosive. Earlier this season, the Bluebirds unexpectedly destroyed the Cod Army 4-0 at home. But promotion favourites Fleetwood will go into this tie as clear favourites.
Let the rivalry commence
@amyscarisbrick
Barrow: Hurst Smith Skelton Bolland (Capt) Hone Baker Ferrell Owen (Lomax 49) Cook (Nicholas 82) Boyes Rutherford (Moyo 68)
Subs Not Used: Pearson Sheridan
Darlington: Russell Arnison Brown Chandler Hatch (Harrison 65) Taylor Bowman McReady (Gray 68) Rundle (Ramxhaw 80) Hopson Bridge-Wilkinson
Subs Not Used: Nixon Gray
*The correct away attendance was 922 not 1072 as announced at the game. The overall attendance was 2144.
