Cook Scores Double in Barrow’s Victory over Emotional Darlington

Barrow 3-0 Darlington: Off Pitch Drama, Female Referee and Fans United.

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 15^th 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 32^nd 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 63^rd 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 11^th in the Blue Square Bet Premier, while Darlington drop to 14^th.

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 17^th 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 10^th league goal, 11^th in all competitions for the season. It was important for Adam Boyes to end a goal drought of two months to score his 13^th 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 25^th minute.

Barrow training ahead of their match with Darlington

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 72^nd 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 10^th 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.

FA Cup Third Round Preview: Fleetwood Town v Blackpool

Now forget about the Manchester derby in the FA Cup Third Round as another ferocious North West match takes place this weekend. It's between Blue Square Bet Premier side Fleetwood Town who play close near neighbours Blackpool for the first time in 31 years.

Fleetwood are 66 places and three leagues below Championship side Blackpool, but can they pull off a traditional FA Cup upset?

I visited the Fylde Coast to experience the magic of this unique cup derby:

FA Cup Preview - Fleetwood Town v Blackpool Package by amyscarisbrick

I was lucky enough to attend Fleetwood's training session and press conference ahead of the big game.

Here are preview interviews ahead of the big local derby:

Fleetwood Manager Micky Mellon and Captain Steve McNulty:

Fleetwood Town FA Cup Preview: Micky Mellon and Steve McNulty by amyscarisbrick

Interview with Fleetwood Goalkeeper Scott Davies:

Fleetwood Town FA Cup Preview: Scott Davies Interview by amyscarisbrick

Interview with Fleetwood Defender Nathan Pond:

Fleetwood FA Cup Preview: Nathan Pond Interview by amyscarisbrick

Interview with Fleetwood Striker Andy Mangan:

Fleetwood Town FA Cup Preview: Andy Mangan Interview by amyscarisbrick

@amyscarisbrick

Victorious Stockport Score Late Penalty to end Barrow’s spirited come back.

Festive Double Header Part Two

Stockport 3-2 Barrow: Slippery surfaces, Baker’s Double and Dubious Decisions?

Barrow warming up at Edgeley Park ahead of the match

Stockport score a controversial late penalty to seal victory after Barrow staged a forceful second half comeback. County were leading 2-0 by half time before Richie Baker scored two goals to draw the Bluebirds level. However Sam Sheridan’s 84th minute goal from the penalty spot gave the Hatters all three points in one of the most exciting games of the season.

Stockport took an early lead with a stunning goal from Sam Sheridan on 9^th minute. Tom Elliott headed the ball onto Sheridan who produced a screamer from 30 yards out that rocketed into the top left corner.

County earned a second goal after Aaron Cole caught out Barrow right back Kelvin Lomax and counter attacked on the left wing. Cole squared the ball into Elliott who missed his shot, but Joe Connor managed to scrappily push the ball over the line, giving Stockport a 2-0 lead on the 32^nd minute.  

Barrow dominated the second half as Paul Rutherford crossed from the right wing to set up Adam Boyes’ headed shot. Boyes’ attempt was cleared by Matt Glennon but Richie Baker chested it over the line on 57^th minute to make it 2-1.

The Bluebirds drew level after they were awarded a penalty as Danny O’Donnell handballed in the area. Richie Baker stepped up to the spot and scored his fifth goal of the season on 67^th minute.  

Stockport secured victory after a controversial penalty was given against Danny Hone for handballing in the area. Man of the match Sam Sheridan scored the winner from the spot to the elation of nearly 3000 County fans.

Stockport move up to 19th in the league, while Barrow’s defeat drops them two places to 12^th in the Blue Square Bet Premier.

Barrow Joint Manager Dave Bayliss says the players are devastated not to earn any points in my post match interview recorded for The Bay’s Goalzone:



Dave Bayliss Interview - Stockport v Barrow by amyscarisbrick

Slippery Surfaces

After a scrappy and tight 1-0 victory for Barrow over Stockport County on Boxing Day, the second part of this festive double header was set to be exciting as both teams knew what to expect from the opposing side.

Barrow joint managers Dave Bayliss and Darren Sheridan made no changes to the side that beat Stockport at the Furness Building Society Stadium eight days ago and they lined up in the usual 4-4-2 formation.

All focus ahead of the game was on Louis Almond who was making his final appearance in a Barrow shirt. The striker’s loan spell is due to end on Wednesday 4^th January as he returns to parent club Blackpool. Earlier this week, winger Dominic Rowe also returned to parent club Bradford City after his loan period with the Bluebirds ended.

The teams coming out of the tunnel

There was a delayed start to the match as Stockport’s captain Danny O’Donnell received treatment after clashing heads with Andy Cook.

Once play had finally started, Sam Sheridan produced his 30 yard wonder goal in the first real phase of the match, stunning Barrow right from the start.

Ironically, Sam is the nephew of Barrow manager Darren Sheridan and he had an excellent performance against his uncle’s side.  

The first half saw a dismal performance from Barrow where they were outplayed in most areas of the game. This was mainly due to the greasy and slippery surface of the pitch at Edgeley Park which made play very difficult for Barrow in the opening 45 minutes.

Stockport were able to control the ball better and play it along the ground, while Barrow couldn’t get a good first touch and had to revert to long ball tactics.

After Stockport’s second goal, Barrow began to fight their way into the match. Andy Cook had their first real shot on target, heading wide of the left post from 14 yards out on 40^th minute. This was followed up by Richie Baker’s shot from the edge of the box that was comfortably saved by County keeper Matt Glennon.

Stockport were the better side in the first half and took their chances when they came, however in the second half the tide was about to turn in Barrow’s favour.

Baker’s Double

Barrow came out a completely different side in the second half and were intent to score points from the match. Bayliss and Sheridan made an early substitution, replacing Lomax with Paul Smith at right back, changing the shape of the side by pushing Paul Rutherford and Jack Mackreth further forward.

This proved successful as Boyes received James Owen’s long ball and had his shot from 8 yards saved by Glennon on 49^th minute. Moments later Boyes’ flick set up Paul Rutherford with a shot from 25 yards that went narrowly wide of the left post.

Edgeley Park

It was all one way traffic and Barrow’s come back was due to brilliant runs on the wings from Rutherford and Mackreth that were absent from the first half.

The attack continued into the closing stages of the match and Baker set up Cook with a great headed shot that was saved by Glennon on 80^th minute.

Like in the Boxing Day match against Stockport, Richie Baker had another great performance by scoring the two goals that got Barrow back into the game. There was an incredible amount of pressure on Baker to score the second goal from the penalty spot after Barrow had just had a goal disallowed. Yet the midfielder managed to score and keep the Bluebirds temporarily in the contest.

Dubious Decisions?

The match will sadly be remembered for controversial decisions. The first questionable incident was in the build up to Barrow’s second goal. Andy Cook rounded the keeper Glennon on the right of the box and his squared ball was tapped in from 5 yards out by Adam Boyes on 65^th minute. The Barrow players began celebrating and the referee disallowed the goal and pulled it back to award a penalty instead to Barrow for O’Donell’s handball in the area.

Baker then went on to score the subsequent penalty, but an advantage could have been played to allow the goal to stand, rather than making Barrow take a penalty and score again.

The penalty at the end of the match awarded to Stockport was the main talking point of the New Year tie.

The referee had already signalled for a corner kick to Stockport and then changed his mind very late to instead award Stockport a penalty. The incident itself seemed rather harsh as the ball flicked up and hit Danny Hone’s arm. Nevertheless, credit must be given to Sheridan for scoring a great winning goal from the penalty spot in the final minutes of the match.



The Travelling Barrow fans

For the Barrow fans and players, it’s a heartbreaking result as a point was the very least the team deserved and they had been close to winning the game.

For Stockport, it was a massive result that lifted them slightly away from the relegation zone and the win clearly meant a lot to the fans who celebrated emphatically.

For the neutral fan, it was a spectacular contest as it was an open and dramatic game. The atmosphere in Edgeley Park was electric from both sets of fans, especially the 341 travelling Barrow fans that made more noise than nearly 3000 Stockport supporters in the stadium.

Barrow will hope to bounce back with a home fixture next Saturday against mid-table team Darlington.

@amyscarisbrick

Stockport: Glennon Holden O’Donnell (Capt) Fraughan (Gritton 73) Sheridan Halls (McCann 64) Elliott Piergianni Edwards Cole Connor

Subs not used: Ormson Rowe Blackburn

Barrow: Hurst Lomax (Smith 50) Skelton Bolland (Capt) Hone Mackreth Baker Owen Rutherford Cook (Almond 87) Boyes

Subs not used: Pearson Ferrell Moyo

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